Anti-diarrheal Flashcards
Name a medication used as an anti-diarrheal.
loperamide
Loperamide is a weak opioid receptor agonist.
What is the mechanism of action of loperamide?
It decreases motility and decreases secretion of fluid into the stomach, allowing for increased absorption of fluids and salts.
opioid receptor agonist along GI tract;
This action mimics the inhibitory effects of endorphins produced by the myenteric plexus.
What should be ensured before treating diarrhea with loperamide?
Make sure the diarrhea is not infectious.
If the diarrhea is infectious, treatment with loperamide should not be used.
What is a structural analog of loperamide?
meperidine
an opioid
How does being a structural analog for meperidine (opioid) help loperamide work as anti-diarrheal?
mimics inhibitory effects of endorphins produced by myenteric plexus
