Sometimes you suddenly get a stomachache, that is, diarrhea, right? Along with that, you feel uncomfortable, as if your stomach is full, bloated, and stuck inside. This is a medicine that many of us use at times like this, and it can be easily purchased from pharmacies. So today we are talking about this combination of medicines called Loperamide and Simethicone.
What really happens with this medicine?
Simply put, there are two main things about this medicine.
1. Loperamide: This works by controlling and relaxing your overactive bowel movements, which will reduce the number of times you need to go to the bathroom.
2. Simethicone: This works by binding together the gas trapped in your digestive tract and allowing it to pass easily, relieving the discomfort of bloating and gas.
The most important thing is that this should only be used for sudden bouts of diarrhea and associated gas problems . This is not a medication to be taken continuously.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before you use this medicine, it is essential to tell your doctor if you have any of the conditions below, as this medicine may not be suitable for you in some cases.
| If you have this situation... | Why should you care? |
|---|---|
| If the stool is black or bloody | This could be a sign of a serious condition, such as intestinal bleeding. |
| Bacterial food poisoning | In this case, stopping the diarrhea can keep the infection in the body and worsen the condition. |
| Colitis or mucus-like discharge with stool | This medicine may mask symptoms and worsen the disease. |
| If you have a fever | Diarrhea with fever is often a sign of an infection. Medical advice is essential. |
| A history of irregular heartbeat | Loperamide can sometimes affect the heart rate. |
| If you have liver disease | This medication may have difficulty removing from the body by the liver, which may increase side effects. |
| Severe stomach pain, bloating, or flatulence | This may be a sign of a serious condition, and this medicine may make it worse. |
| If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding | In such cases, it is imperative to seek medical advice before taking any medication. |
How should I use this medicine?
The way to use this is very simple.
- Take the pill with a glass of water.
- Follow the instructions on the medicine package or label exactly. Never take more than the prescribed dose.
- When it comes to children, doctors sometimes recommend this for children over 6 years old. But there must be special reasons for that. So don't give it to children without asking your doctor.
If you think you have taken too much of this medicine by mistake, that is, if you have overdosed, there are two things you should do immediately. One is to go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital. The other is to call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital. This is very important.
And remember, this medicine is for you only. Do not give it to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you.
Things to be careful about when taking medicine
- If your symptoms do not improve after two days , or if they worsen, you should definitely see a doctor.
- If you develop a fever, severe stomach pain, bloating , or black tarry stools , seek medical advice immediately.
- This medicine may make you feel dizzy or drowsy . Therefore, do not drive or operate machinery until you know how you feel after taking this medicine. These side effects may be increased if you take this medicine with alcohol.
- You may experience a dry mouth. It's best to chew sugar-free gum and drink plenty of water.
- Most importantly: Diarrhea can cause dehydration because the body loses a lot of water. To prevent this, it is very important to drink plenty of fluids, such as Jeevani, or water .
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, this one can cause side effects in some people. Some of them are serious, some of them are common.
| Type of side effect | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Heart rhythm changes | Fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, fainting, chest pain, difficulty breathing. |
| Serious skin reactions | Skin redness, blistering, peeling (even inside the mouth). |
| Severe stomach pain | Severe, unbearable stomach pain not related to diarrhea. |
| Difficulty urinating | Difficulty urinating or passing urine very little. |
| Common side effects that should be reported to the doctor if they persist or are bothersome: | |
| Constipation | Diarrhea stops and constipation occurs (this usually resolves after stopping the medication). |
| Other minor features | Dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, blurred vision. |
Take-Home Message
- Loperamide; Simethicone is a medicine used short-term for sudden diarrhea and related gas problems.
- If you have a fever, blood in your stool, or diarrhea due to a bacterial infection, be sure to consult a doctor before taking this medicine.
- Never use more than the dosage indicated on the package. Overdose can be dangerous.
- If symptoms do not improve within two days, or if symptoms such as fever and severe stomach pain occur, see a doctor immediately.
- It is very important to inform your doctor about all other medications you are taking.
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