Final answer:
Loperamide is an anti-diarrheal medication used to treat acute and chronic diarrhea, working by slowing gut movement. Major contraindications include abdominal pain without diarrhea and bacterial enterocolitis. Common adverse effects include constipation, dizziness, and potential CNS effects if misused.
Step-by-step explanation:
Loperamide is an anti-diarrheal medication belonging to the class of drugs known as peripheral opioid receptor agonists. It works by slowing down the movement of the gut, which reduces the speed at which the contents pass through. Consequently, more water and electrolytes are absorbed, making the stool firmer and less frequent. Loperamide is commonly indicated for the treatment of acute and chronic diarrhea from various causes, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Major contraindications include patients with abdominal pain without diarrhea, acute dysentery, which is diarrhea with blood and bacteria, and in patients with bacterial enterocolitis caused by invasive organisms. It should also be avoided in patients with a known hypersensitivity to the drug. One of the main adverse effects of loperamide is constipation, but others can include dizziness, dry mouth, and abdominal pain. Due to its opioid-like effects, it can also lead to central nervous system (CNS) effects such as sedation or euphoria, especially if misused in high doses.