| DRUG | SUPPLIED | DOSE | COMMENTS |
|---|---|---|---|
| LOPERAMIDE (Paeds) (Imodium) Mechanism of action: Antidiarrheal Ref: 1, 27 Last update: 2019-04-12 |
capsule: 2 mg liquid: 0.2 mg/mL |
Acute Diarrhea: Administer dose after each loose stool for no more than 2 days. 2-5 yrs: 1 mg/dose (Max 3 mg/day) 6-8 yrs: 2 mg/dose with first loose stool, then 1 mg/dose (Max 4 mg/day) 9-11 yrs: 2 mg/dose with first loose stool, then 1 mg/dose (Max 6 mg/day) >12 yrs: 4 mg with first loose stool, then 2 mg/dose (Max 16 mg/day) Chronic Diarrhea: Children: 0.125-0.25 mg/kg/dose BID-QID. Maximum: 2 mg/dose. |
In general, antidiarrheal agents should not be used in children with acute gastroenteritis because they delay the elimination of infectious agents from the intestines. Use of antidiarrheal agents in children may cause toxic megacolon and may conceal fluid losses into the GI tract in diarrhea of any etiology. There are few indications for antidiarrheal drugs in children; use only under expert guidance. Side effects include nausea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal cramps, urinary retention, CNS depression. Avoid use in children < 2 years old. Standard Prescription: loperamide__mg PO__(frequency) (__mg/kg/24hr) |