Lomotil: Indications And Contraindications
The Lomotil is the mark of a drug having an active principle: loperamide . It is administered orally and is used, above all, for the treatment of diarrhea.
However, it should not be used for diarrhea caused by different types of infections . In addition, its use is discouraged in children under 6 years of age due to a greater risk of presenting serious side effects, such as those that we will discuss below.
Why does diarrhea occur?
Diarrhea is frequent passing of loose or loose stools. It is a clinical picture that does not usually last long and improves on its own. It is also common for it to occur due to an intestinal infection caused by viruses or bacteria.
However, it can also be the consequence of a diet high in sugars, a food allergy, lactose intolerance or other intestinal problems; such as celiac disease or inflammatory diseases.
Along with diarrhea for 3 to 5 days, a person may also have stomach pains or cramps. In addition, it is also common to trigger any of the following symptoms:
- Fever.
- Loss of appetite
- Sickness.
- Dehydration
Mechanism of action: how does Lomotil exert its effect on the body?
As you already know, Lomotil helps reduce the number and frequency of bowel movements. Its action, according to an article published by the Collaborating Center of the National Administration of Drugs, Food and Medical Technology, consists of reducing bowel movement thanks to its active principle: loperamide .
By decreasing the number of bowel movements, the speed of digestion gradually recovers. In this way, a correct absorption of liquids is allowed ; restoring the consistency of the stool.
It works effectively to control diarrhea from the first symptoms. The loperamide interferes with peristalsis (process muscle contractions that move food to different stations digestive tract), via a direct action on intestinal muscles; reducing their motility.
It also reduces fluid and electrolyte secretion, and increases water absorption. By achieving this: it increases the consistency of the stool and reduces the stool volume.
And although loperamide is related by its chemical structure to opioid drugs (natural derivatives of morphine), this active principle does not have analgesic effects even at high doses. However, an article published by the British Medical Journal stated that children under the age of three may be more sensitive to these effects. Therefore, it is extremely important to see a doctor.
Contraindications of Lomotil
The Lomotil (to the like other drugs having the same effect) can induce the development of toxic boxes colon in patients with ulcerative colitis. Therefore, these patients should be vigilant for symptoms of toxicity.
In addition, this drug is contraindicated when diarrhea is a consequence of pseudomembranous colitis (a common cause after the use of antibiotics), as well as diarrhea caused by enteric microorganisms (microorganisms that inhabit the intestine).
On the other hand, patients with liver disease should be closely monitored; as loperamide levels can increase by metabolizing the liver.
Likewise, it is important to mention that it is not yet known whether this principle is excreted in breast milk. For this reason, caution should be exercised while breastfeeding.
Adverse reactions
As indicated in the Technical Data Sheet of the Ministry of Health, treatment with Lomotil is capable of causing a series of adverse reactions (as is also the case with the treatment of other medications).
Understanding adverse effects as those undesirable and unintended events that occur with a drug, loperamide can cause:
- Drowsiness.
- Dizziness
- Headache.
- Dry mouth.
- Blurry vision.
- Loss of appetite
In addition to those mentioned, other more serious side reactions can also be triggered, such as:
- Changes in mood
- Stomach pain and inflammation.
- Numbness or tingling in the arms and legs.
Consult with the doctor before taking any medicine
The Lomotil is a medicine containing loperamide as an active ingredient. It is used to treat diarrhea; since it has the ability to reduce the number of bowel movements and increase their consistency.
Consult with your doctor any questions you have about the treatment with this medicine, as well as any discomfort that occurs after starting with it.
