Laremid – composition, dosage, indications, contraindications. How does Laremid work?

Proven content

Laremid is a drug recommended in family medicine and gastroenterology for the treatment of symptoms of acute and chronic diarrhea. The preparation affects the digestive tract. Laremid is available in tablet form and can only be obtained with a prescription.

Laremid – composition and action

Laremide is a drug that is used when acute diarrhea occurs. It consists of loperamide and auxiliary substances: lactose monohydrate, corn starch, povidone K-25, stearic acid.

Laremide is a synthetic opioid, the active ingredient of which is loperamide. This substance, in combination with the opioid receptors of the intestinal wall cells, causes the intestinal peristalsis to be inhibited, which in turn makes the transit time of the intestinal contents longer.

Thanks to its properties, the preparation counteracts the loss of water and electrolytes and the need for immediate defecation. Laremid reduces the density and number of bowel movements, and also improves the consistency of the stools. Its effect occurs about an hour after taking it, it is well absorbed and metabolized by the liver.

Read also: The five worst bowel diseases

Laremid – indications for use

The active substance of Laremid is loperamide – a drug that inhibits the peristalsis of the gastrointestinal tract. Laremid is used to treat diarrhea of ​​various origins and to reduce the volume of excretion in patients with an external ileal fistula (ileostomy), after colectomy or extensive bowel resection. The dosage of Laremide should be determined by a physician and depends on the patient’s age and symptoms.

Laremid – dosage

Dosage of Laremide for adults and children 6 years of age and older in acute diarrhea:

1. initial dose – 2 tablets (4 mg) for adults and 1 tablet (2 mg) for children; then 1 tablet (2 mg) after each additional free stool.
2. the maximum dose is 8 tablets (16 mg) daily for adults; in children, the dose of the product must be adjusted to body weight (3 tablets / 20 kg b.w./day).

If, in the treatment of acute diarrhea, no clinical improvement is observed within 48 hours, administration of Laremid should be discontinued and the patient should consult a physician.

Dosage of Laremide for adults and children 6 years of age and above in the case of chronic diarrhea:

1. initial dose – 2 tablets (4 mg) daily for adults and 1 tablet (2 mg) daily for children; this initial dose should be adjusted until 1 to 2 normal stools per day are obtained, which is usually achieved with a maintenance dose of 1 to 6 tablets (2 to 12 mg) per day.
2. the maximum dose is 8 tablets (16 mg) daily for adults; in children, the dose of the product must be adjusted to body weight (3 tablets / 20 kg b.w./day).

See: Short bowel syndrome – what is it?

Laremid – contraindications

The main contraindication to the use of Laremid is the patient’s hypersensitivity to the ingredients of the preparation. In addition, Laremid is contraindicated in the case of:

1. use it in children under 6 years of age,
2. people with acute dysentery, which is characterized by blood in the stools and a high fever
3. people with an acute relapse of ulcerative colitis,
4. people with bacterial enteritis and colitis caused by pathogenic bacteria of the genus Salmonella, Shigella and Campylobacter,
5. people with pseudomembranous enteritis associated with the administration of broad-spectrum antibiotics.

It is important not to use Laremid in cases where slowing of intestinal motility should be avoided because of the possible risk of severe complications including intestinal obstruction, giant colon and toxic dilatation. Treatment with Laremid should be discontinued immediately in the event of constipation, abdominal distension or intestinal obstruction.

Laremid – precautions

Remember that Laremid is a reliever medication to treat diarrhea. It should not be used for a long time. If the etiology of diarrhea cannot be established, causal treatment should be introduced. In the case of acute diarrhea, if the symptoms after administration of Laremid do not improve within 48 hours, the use of the drug should be discontinued and a primary care physician should be contacted.

In general, when diarrhea occurs, it is very important to replenish fluids and electrolytes to prevent dehydration. This is especially important in children, debilitated patients and the elderly with severe diarrhea. Regardless of the use of Laremid, the patient should be given large amounts of electrolytes and fluids, omitting sweet and carbonated drinks.

In the case of people with AIDS who are given Laremid for diarrhea, special care should be taken as abdominal distension may occur. There have been isolated reports of constipation with an increased risk of toxic dilation of the colon with the use of loperamide in AIDS patients with infectious colitis caused by both bacteria and viruses.

Laremid should be used with caution in people with hepatic impairment and irritable bowel syndrome. Laremid must not be used in children under 6 years of age without the recommendation and supervision of a doctor.

Due to the lactose content, Laremide should not be used in people with rare hereditary problems of galactose intolerance, the Lapp lactase deficiency or malabsorption of glucose-galactose.

Laremide is not recommended for pregnant women, especially in the first trimester and breastfeeding women.

Before using Laremid, inform your doctor about the medications you are taking on a permanent basis, as the combination of some medications and Laremid may cause side effects.

The editorial board recommends: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is another epidemic in the XNUMXst century. Most Poles have never heard of him

Laremid – side effects

Laremid, like all drugs, may cause certain side effects. In general, Laremid is a safe drug for use in acute diarrhea, however, it should be borne in mind that certain side effects may occur in some cases.

The most common side effects resulting from the use of Laremid include:

1. constipation
2. flatulence
3. headaches,
4. stomach pain,
5. nausea,
6. dizziness,
7. somnolence,
8. abdominal discomfort,
9. dry mouth
10. epigastric pain,
11. vomiting,
12. indigestion,
13. rash.

In rare cases, the following side effects may appear:

1. hypersensitivity reaction,
2. anaphylactic reaction (including anaphylactic shock),
3. anaphylactoid reaction,
4. loss of consciousness,
5. stupor,
6. decreased level of consciousness,
7. bowel obstruction (including paralytic ileus),
8. colon dilatation (including toxic colon dilatation), abdominal distension
9. bullous rash (including Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis and erythema multiforme)
10. angioedema
11. itching, hives
12. urinary retention,
13. tiredness.

Laremid – symptoms of overdose

In the event of an overdose of Laremide, a number of disturbing symptoms may develop. It is best to contact your doctor in such a situation. Naloxone may be administered to cleanse the body of Laremide.

Here are the symptoms of a Laremide overdose:

1. depression of the central nervous system (stupor, impaired coordination, drowsiness, constriction of the pupils, excessive muscle tone and respiratory depression),
2. constipation,
3. urinary retention,
4. bowel obstruction.

Children and patients with hepatic impairment may be more sensitive to the toxic effects of Laremid on the central nervous system.

Laremid – price and reviews

The price of Laremid is about PLN 6 for one package (10 tablets). people using Laremid praise it for its speed and effectiveness. It is recommended in the sudden appearance of diarrhea. Moreover, Laremid is a drug that is relatively cheap, efficient and easy to swallow.