Loperamide is an anti-diarrheal agent that is available as various over-the-counter products for treating diarrhea. The drug was first synthesized in 1969 and used medically in 1976. It is a highly lipophilic synthetic phenylpiperidine opioid that is structurally similar to opiate receptor agonists such as diphenoxylate and haloperidol. Due to pharmacological properties, loperamide has been misused and abused to self-manage opioid withdrawal symptoms and to induce euphoria. However, loperamide is associated with a risk for experiencing a range of adverse effects, often life-threatening, if taking for non-therapeutic reasons or at doses higher than the recommended dose.
Loperamide is an anti-diarrheal agent that is available as various over-the-counter products for treating diarrhea. The drug was first synthesized in 1969 and used medically in 1976. It is a highly lipophilic synthetic phenylpiperidine opioid that is structurally similar to opiate receptor agonists such as diphenoxylate and haloperidol. Due to pharmacological properties, loperamide has been misused and abused to self-manage opioid withdrawal symptoms and to induce euphoria. However, loperamide is associated with a risk for experiencing a range of adverse effects, often life-threatening, if taking for non-therapeutic reasons or at doses higher than the recommended dose.
Loperamide is indicated for the relief of diarrhea, including Travelers’ Diarrhea. As an off-label use, it is often used to manage chemotherapy-related diarrhea.
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