Loperamide is an FDA-approved OTC for controlling the symptoms of diarrhea. It acts as an opioid receptor in the gut to slow the movements in the intestines and thus decrease bowel movements. The maximum approved daily dose for adults is 8 mg/day for OTC use and 16 mg/day as per the prescription. Although it is safe to consume within approved doses, its misuse/abuse can lead to serious problems.
It has been observed that OTC anti-diarrhea drug loperamide is taken in larger amounts by many patients intentionally or unintentionally. In this regard, FDA has issued a safety warning indicating that they keep receiving reports of serious heart problems and deaths due to the consumption of much higher concentrations of loperamide than the approved doses. Hence, the physicians and healthcare professionals should strongly suggest that their patients stop taking medicine and immediately seek…
