TIL: Your intestines hold the largest collection of neurons outside the brain! The anti-diarrhea drug #Loperamide is an #opiod that targets the receptors along your gut wall to relax and stop constricting. 🧠🍽️ #Neuroscience #BodyFacts #GutThinking

Day 7: In higher doses Pgp action can be saturated, allowing CNS entry of #loperamide with potential for euphoric effects/opioid issues. Abuse of loperamide linked to cardiovascular reactions eg syncope, rhythm disorders & rarely cardiac arrest. Abuse includes self-use to assist opioid withdrawal

Day 6: DDIs. Enzyme inhibition can lead to increased exposure to #loperamide & this can have a ‘severe’ warning & ‘caution advised’ eg dronedarone. Also, synergistic effect with other drugs which can produce constipation eg clozapine (NOT exhaustive)

Day 5(cont): SPC states #loperamide can have a ‘moderate’ impact on driving ability. Although not a controlled drug, if relevant impairment is present, a drug driving offense may be committed

Day 5: GI disorders are common ADEs for #loperamide & extension of MOA is constipation. However, abdo pain or vomiting are uncommon & paralytic ileus or megacolon are rare. Opioid-type issues are uncommon e.g dry mouth, or rare e.g impaired coordination, miosis, urinary retention(NOT exhaustive)

Day 4: #loperamide is a lipophilic synthetic opioid agonist which has a direct action on intestinal mu receptors. This slows peristalsis, retains water & electrolytes & increases rectal tone

Day 3 (cont) If hepatic impairment, there is reduced 1st pass/overall metabolism of #loperamide. Use with caution as may produce overdose effects. Also use with caution if history of opioid abuse. Avoid in pregnancy

Day 3: #loperamide is absorbed/acts in the gut:onset action ~1hr. ↑ 1st pass metabolism minimises systemic bioavailability, as does being a PgP substrate. ↑plasma protein binding & Vd. Extensive hepatic metabolism via CY450 pathways > biliary then faecal excretion (no active metabolites). T½ ~11hrs

Day 2 (cont): #loperamide also comes as combined with simeticone to calm colic & flatulence. As well as a POM, #loperamide can also be accessed over the counter in the UK

Day 1: Invented in 1969, #loperamide was designed to be an active opioid compound in the peripheral nervous system, with low CNS effects. This allows slowed gut transition time, without psychoactive & addiction effects

New series starting today '7 days of #loperamide'. Hope you enjoy 😃

Drowsiness
Dizziness
Nausea
Abdominal cramps or pain
Bloating
Dry mouth
Passing gas (flatulence)
Vomiting
Headache
.....OR I can just deal with a bout of diarrhea because I'm not into some or all of the above side effects from taking #loperamide

#Loperamide #Post09 ☆ Uses of Loperamide: ● Used for the treatment of diarrhea. ● Should not be used in patients with dysentery (diarrhea with blood). ☆ How Works: ● Acts as an anti-diarrhoeal medication. ● Slows down the contraction of the intestines. ● Decreases the speed at which intestinal contents pass through. ● Allows more time for reabsorption of fluids and nutrients. ● Results in stools becoming more solid and less frequent. ☆ Common Side Effects of Loperamide: ● Constipation ● Nausea ● Headache ● Flatulence ☆ Advice for Loperamide: ● You have been prescribed Loperamide for the treatment of diarrhea. ● Diarrhea can cause water loss and electrolyte imbalance — drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. ● Consult your doctor if your diarrhea lasts for more than 48 hours. ● Do not use Loperamide if you have blood in your stool or if you are severely constipated. ● Use caution while driving or doing activities requiring concentration, as Loperamide may cause dizziness and sleepiness. ● Stop taking the medication as soon as your symptoms are relieved.

#Loperamide
#Post09
#UsesofLoperamide #HowWorksLoperamide #CommonSideEffectsofLoperamide

How does this work then?

Surgeon prescribed 4 x 3 per day but pharmacy says no more than 8 per day

(It has been reported that if you take 50 in one go you can experience opium high!!!)

#loperamide #imodium #IBD