Loperamide-Akrikhin capsules belong to the category of antidiarrheal symptomatic drugs. The active ingredient is loperamide; each capsule also contains excipients. Their price is low, the tablets are freely available over-the-counter in pharmacies.
The photo shows the packaging of the drug Loperamide-Akrikhin.
Composition and release form
For 1 tablet 2 mg:
- Active ingredients: loperamide hydrochloride - 2 mg;
- Excipients: lactose (milk sugar), corn starch, colloidal silicon dioxide (Aerosil), talc, magnesium stearate.
- Capsule No. 4: titanium dioxide, quinoline yellow dye, sunset yellow dye, gelatin.
10 capsules in a blister pack. 1 or 2 blister packs along with instructions for use are placed in a cardboard pack.
Indications
Loperamide is indicated for patients suffering from diarrhea that has become a symptom of other disorders. So Loperamide-Akrikhin is indicated for use in the following cases:
- diarrhea (chronic, acute; the causes are not fundamental, with the exception of infectious);
- during a disruption of natural metabolism in the patient’s body;
- as an adjuvant in the treatment of diarrhea;
- with ileostomy, to relieve symptoms and regulate stool.
Loperamide is indicated for use only as a symptomatic remedy. These pills will eliminate the symptoms of the disease, but will not cure it completely. If diarrhea is one of the accompanying symptoms, you should not self-medicate; you should consult a doctor and undergo an examination.
Pharmacological properties
Pharmacological action - antidiarrheal.
Pharmacodynamics
Loperamide, by binding to opioid receptors of the intestinal wall (stimulation of choline and adrenergic neurons through guanine nucleotides), reduces the tone and motility of intestinal smooth muscles (by inhibiting the release of acetylcholine and prostaglandins).
Slows down peristalsis and increases the transit time of intestinal contents.
Increases the tone of the anal sphincter, promotes fecal retention and reduces the urge to defecate. The action develops quickly and lasts 4–6 hours.
Pharmacokinetics
When taken orally, absorption is 40%. Maximum plasma concentration is achieved 2.5 hours after taking the capsules. Communication with plasma proteins (mainly albumin) - 97%.
Does not penetrate the blood-brain barrier. Almost completely metabolized by the liver by conjugation.
The half-life is 9–14 hours (average 9.8 hours). It is excreted mainly in bile, a small part is excreted by the kidneys (in the form of conjugated metabolites).
Instructions for use
In the article you can find all the necessary data for safe reception. In it you can find information about indications, release form, possible analogues, pharmacology, contraindications, method of administration (possible dosage, if required), actions in case of overdose, composition, side effects, possibility of taking in special cases, combination of this drug with other funds and much more.
pharmachologic effect
The drug Loperamide-Akrikhin for diarrhea is actively absorbed into the bloodstream, metabolized in the liver and excreted primarily through the intestines. The maximum concentration of the active drug compound in the blood is reached 2.5 hours after administration. This suggests that the drug can affect the functioning of some internal organs, except the brain - Loperamide metabolites do not penetrate the blood-brain barrier.
However, the drug may cause illness not associated with diarrhea and intestinal health in general. To minimize the risk of undesirable consequences, it is recommended to carefully study the instructions for use.
Indications for use
The range of indications for the use of the drug Loperamide-Akrikhin is limited to diarrhea of various origins, including those arising against the background of the following conditions:
allergic reaction to food;- emotional tension or severe stress;
- taking medications;
- low quality food;
- changes in metabolism;
- infectious diseases (strictly in combination with other drugs);
- inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract.
Mode of application
It is recommended to take Loperamide-Akrikhin capsules regardless of meals along with a sufficient amount of water. The integrity of the capsule must not be broken, the contents removed or chewed.
The dosage depends on the severity of diarrhea, as well as on the age of the patient:
- The maximum daily dose of the drug for adults is 16 mg or 8 capsules. In this case, you first need to take 2 capsules, and then drink one capsule after each bowel movement.
- The maximum daily dose of the drug for children over 6 years of age is 8 mg or 4 capsules. In this case, the initial dose is 2 mg or 1 capsule, and then after each bowel movement, one capsule.
For chronic diarrhea, the daily dosage for adults is 2 capsules, and for children - 1 capsule. If diarrhea worsens, the dosage for adults can be increased to 6 capsules, for children - up to 3 capsules.
It is recommended to stop taking Loperamide-Akrikhin if there are no loose stools within the last 12 hours.
Release form and composition
The medicine for diarrhea Loperamide-Akrikhin is available in the form of capsules, colored yellow.
In addition to dyes, the capsule body contains gelatin and titanium dioxide, and the internal contents are a complex of the active substance, loperamide hydrochloride in an amount of 2 mg per capsule, and a mixture of neutral chemical (including organic) compounds.
The contents of the capsules look like white, sometimes with a slight yellowish tint, powder.
Capsules are placed in contour packages of 10 pieces each. One box of medicine may contain 1 or 2 contour packages.
Drug interactions
When taking the drug, it is necessary to take into account that it may interact with other medications. Such phenomena may be accompanied by an increase or decrease in the antidiarrheal properties of Loperamide-Akrikhin. Thus, drugs based on cholestyramine reduce the absorption and effect of Loperamide, while some antiviral drugs (ritonavir and co-trimoxazole, for example) increase the bioavailability of the active component, as a result of which its effectiveness increases.
If it is necessary to take the mentioned drugs together with Loperamide-Akrikhin, it is important to inform your doctor about this.
Adjusting the dose or replacing one of the drugs with an analogue that will not interact as actively with Loperamide will help reduce the risk of negative consequences of drug interactions.
Directions for use and doses
Take orally, without chewing, with water.
- For acute diarrhea, adults are initially prescribed 2 capsules (4 mg) of Loperamide-Akrikhin, then 1 capsule (2 mg) after each bowel movement in case of loose stools. The highest daily dose is 8 capsules (16 mg).
- For chronic diarrhea, adults are prescribed 4 mg per day. The maximum daily dose is 16 mg.
- For acute diarrhea, children over 6 years of age are prescribed an initial dose of 2 mg, then 2 mg after each bowel movement in case of loose stools. The maximum daily dose is 4 capsules (8 mg).
- For chronic diarrhea in children over 6 years of age, Loperamide-Akrikhin is prescribed in a daily dose of 2 mg. The maximum daily dose is 6 mg per 20 kilograms.
After normalization of stool or in the absence of stool for more than 12 hours, the drug should be discontinued.
Price
Loperamide-Akrikhin capsules are highly accessible drugs due to their low cost, accessible to a wide category of consumers.
Cost in Russia
In Russian pharmacies, a package of 10 capsules of Loperamide-Akrikhin costs from 27 to 32 rubles, while 20 capsules cost from 48 to 54 rubles per package.
Cost in Ukraine
In Ukrainian pharmacies, a package of 10 capsules of Loperamide-Akrikhin costs from 11 to 14 hryvnia. A package of 20 capsules will cost customers 19-24 hryvnia.
Overdose
Symptoms: signs of depression of the function of the central nervous system (stupor, impaired coordination of movements, drowsiness, constriction of the pupils (miosis), increased skeletal muscle tone, respiratory depression), intestinal obstruction.
Treatment: Naloxone is used as a specific antidote. Considering that the duration of action of Loperamide-Akrikhin is longer than that of naloxone, repeated administration of the latter is possible.
Symptomatic treatment: gastric lavage, taking activated carbon (in the first 3 hours after taking the drug), artificial ventilation.
Reviews
In reviews of Loperamide-Akrikhin capsules, consumers talk about the high effectiveness of the product. Moreover, more than 90% of respondents call its effect very stable, which makes it possible to take the drug for a short time.
The reviews also mention the negative qualities of the medicine in the form of side effects. Most often, consumers mention constipation and colic.
Experts also call Loperamide-Akrikhin a fairly effective remedy that is suitable for the treatment of diarrhea of various origins.
special instructions
If there is no effect after 2 days of using Loperamide-Akrikhin, it is necessary to clarify the diagnosis and exclude the infectious genesis of diarrhea.
Children under 6 years of age are not recommended to take capsules.
If constipation or bloating develops during treatment, Loperamide-Akrikhin should be discontinued. In patients with impaired liver function, careful monitoring for signs of toxic damage to the central nervous system is necessary.
During the treatment of diarrhea, it is necessary to replace the loss of fluid and electrolytes.
Carefully
Loperamide-Akrikhin should be used with caution in case of liver failure.
Use during pregnancy and lactation
The use of the drug Loperamide-Akrikhin during the 1st trimester of pregnancy, as well as during breastfeeding, is contraindicated.
Interaction with alcohol
The manufacturer has not provided any data on the interaction of the drug with alcohol. The therapeutic effect of Loperamide-Akrikhin may be reduced.
Impact on the ability to drive vehicles and other mechanical means
During treatment, care must be taken when driving vehicles and engaging in other potentially hazardous activities that require increased concentration and speed of psychomotor reactions.
Storage conditions and periods
When storing the drug Loperamide-Akrikhin, it is recommended to follow the following recommendations:
- the temperature should not rise above 25 degrees;
- the capsules should not be exposed to direct sunlight;
- It is not recommended to allow the capsules to get wet;
- Children should be protected from the potential risk of swallowing capsules or their internal contents.
Subject to the above standards (temperature, humidity and lighting), the medicine retains its antidiarrheal properties for 4 years from the date of manufacture.
Contraindications and side effects
Loperamide Acri has a number of contraindications due to certain intestinal diseases and special conditions:
- The usual contraindication is hypersensitivity to any component of the drug. In such cases, the doctor prescribes an alternative.
- Ulcerative colitis also precludes the use of the drug.
- Intestinal obstruction is an absolute ban on the use of Loperamide Acri or its analogues.
- Diverticulosis - protrusion of the intestinal walls eliminates the suppression of peristalsis.
- 1st and 3rd trimester of pregnancy - the drug is used only if the result of therapy is higher than the possible risk to the child.
- It is forbidden to take Loperamide during lactation: the substance passes into mother's milk.
- The medication is not prescribed to children under 2 years of age.
- For diarrhea caused by dysentery, enterocolitis, and other infections, the drug plays only an auxiliary role.
Important! In case of severe liver disorders, careful monitoring of the patient's condition is necessary.
Is medication possible for long-term use?
- Drowsiness.
- Nausea.
- Some abdominal tenderness.
- Constipation.
- Dry mouth.
- Gas formation.
Side effects of Loperamide Acri can very rarely be expressed in the form of anuria or intestinal obstruction.
Analogs
Analogs of Loperamide Acri may include the same active substance, that is, they are complete analogues of the drug. These include:
- Diara.
- Vero-Loperamide.
- Lopedium.
- Imodium.
Any antidiarrheal agent, including Loperamide Acri, must be used strictly following the instructions. If unpleasant symptoms do not disappear within two days, urgent medical advice is needed.
( 1 ratings, average: 5.00 out of 5)
Analogues of the drug according to ATC codes:
DIARA IMODIUM IMODIUM LOPEDIUM LOPERAMIDE
Before using LOPERAMIDE-ACRI you should consult your doctor. These instructions for use are for informational purposes only. For more complete information, please refer to the manufacturer's instructions.
