LOPERAMIDE Flashcards
1
Q
Drug class
A
anti-motility drug
2
Q
How does it work? (5)
A
- it is an agonist of the opioid receptors in the GI tract
- this increases non-propulsive contractions of the gut’s smooth muscle
- it reduces the peristaltic contractions
- the transit of bowel contents is slowed
- anal sphincter tone is increased
3
Q
What does slower bowl contents transit allow?
A
- more time for water absorption
- hence hardens stool
4
Q
Indications (3)
A
- diarrhoea
- IBS
- viral gastroenteritis
5
Q
Contraindications (4)
A
- avoid in acute UC
- avoid in C.difficle
- acute bloody diarrhoea - dysentery
- avoid in E.coli
6
Q
Why would you avoid in acute UC?
A
loperamide increases the risk of toxic megacolon
7
Q
Why would you avoid in c.difficile?
A
increases the risk of toxic megacolon
8
Q
Why would you avoid in acute blood diarrhoea?
A
this is a sign of a bacterial infection
9
Q
Why would you avoid in E.coli?
A
increases risk of Haemolytic-uraemic syndrome (HUS)
10
Q
Side effects (3)
A
- constipation
- abdo cramps
- flatulence
11
Q
Interactions
A
none
12
Q
Elimination
A
faeces
