Loperamide Cardiac Toxicity: Pathophysiology, Presentation, and Management

Loperamide is a nonprescription medication commonly used to treat diarrhea. Although it is an opioid, it is very poorly absorbed and well tolerated, with no systemic toxicity at standard doses. In recent years, however, loperamide has been ingested in very large quantities, sometimes with concomitant medications intended to enhance ab-sorption and/or passage across the blood-brain barrier. Most people who misuse loperamide do so for its euphoric effects or to treat symptoms of opioid withdrawal. In addition to the risks of central

Automated summary

Loperamide, a nonprescription medication used for treating diarrhea, is an opioid with low absorption and good tolerance at standard doses. However, in recent years, misuse of loperamide has increased due to its euphoric effects and concomitant use with other medications.