Loperamide

Loperamide (sold under various trade names including Diamode, Imodium, Maalox Anti-Diarrheal and Pepto Diarrhea Control) is a medication primarily used to treat diarrhea. It works by slowing the movement of the gut, which helps decrease the frequency of bowel movements. Loperamide is classified as an opioid receptor agonist and acts on the mu-opioid receptors in the intestine. However, unlike other opioids, it does not significantly affect the central nervous system at typical doses, which means it does not provide pain relief or produce a high.

Loperamide
Health risk
Addiction risk
Legal risk

This medication is available over-the-counter in most jurisdictions.

Background

Medical uses

Mechanism of action

Appeal

Dosing

Risks

Interactions

Addiction

Risk mitigation

Known incidents

References