On June 7, the US Food and Drug Administration released a drug safety notice about loperamide, an anti-diarrhoea medicine sold over the counter and under prescription. The drug is being used as a cheap and legally-available high, and to reduce the symptoms of opioid withdrawal. Indications and dosage Loperamide is approved to help control symptoms of diarrhea, including Travelers’ Diarrhea. It is sold over-the-counter (OTC) under the brand name Imodium A-D, as store brands, and as generics. The majority of single-ingredient loperamide sold in the U.S.
is OTC. It is also available by prescription. Loperamide acts on opioid receptors in the gut to slow down the movement of the intestines. This decreases the number of bowel movements and makes stools less watery. Loperamide is approved for use in single doses of 4 mg for the first dose followed by 2 mg after each loose stool for adults.…
