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Loperamide

Loperamide, usually as hydrochloride. is a drug effective against diarrhea resulting from gastroenteritis or inflammatory bowel discase. In most countries it is available generically under brand names such as Lopex®, Imodium®, Dimor® and Pepto® Diarrhea Control.

Modę of action

Loperamide is an opioid receptor agonist and acts on the mu opioid receptors in the myenteric plexus large intestines; it does not affect the central neryous system like other opioids.

It works by decreasing the activity of the myenteric plexus which decreases the motility of the circular and longitudinal snux)th mnscles of the intestinal wali. This increases the amount of time substances stay in the intestine, allowing for morę water to be absorbed out of the fecal matter. Loperamide also decreases colonie mass movements and suppresses the eastrocolic reflex.

Loperamide does not cross the blood-brain barrier and has no analgęsie properties or addictive potential. Tolerance in response to long-term use has not been reported.

However, symptoms closely resembling those of opiate withdrawal have been observed in patients abruptiy discontinuing long-term therapy with loperamide. For this reason, the drug was briefly classified as a Schedule V controlled substance upon its introduction.