Loperamide
Loperamide Medication for Traveler's Disease
What Is Loperamide?
Loperamide is an over-the-counter medication commonly used to treat diarrhea. Loperamide works by slowing down the movement of the intestines, reducing the frequency of bowel movements, and increasing the absorption of water and electrolytes from the intestines. Loperamide is available in various forms, including tablets, capsules, and liquid solutions. It is typically taken orally and usually starts to work within an hour.
Loperamide helps control the symptoms of traveler’s diarrhea by reducing the frequency of bowel movements and relieving associated discomfort such as abdominal cramps. It is often recommended as a temporary measure to help individuals continue their activities and prevent dehydration until they can seek appropriate medical care if needed.
What is Traveler's Diarrhea?
Traveler’s diarrhea is a gastrointestinal infection that commonly affects individuals traveling to developing countries or regions with poor sanitation. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, cramping, nausea, vomiting, and frequent loose bowel movements.
Traveler’s diarrhea is primarily caused by ingesting food or water contaminated with bacteria, viruses, or parasites. The most common causative agents include:
- Bacteria: Escherichia coli (E. coli) is the most common bacterium responsible for traveler’s diarrhea. It is often acquired through the consumption of contaminated food or water. Other bacterial pathogens that can cause the illness include Salmonella, Shigella, and Campylobacter.
- Viruses: Viruses such as norovirus, rotavirus, and enteric adenovirus can also cause traveler’s diarrhea. They are typically transmitted through direct contact with infected individuals, contaminated surfaces, or consumption of contaminated food or water.
- Parasites: Parasites like Giardia lamblia, Cryptosporidium parvum, and Entamoeba histolytica can cause traveler’s diarrhea. These parasites are commonly found in contaminated water sources, including untreated or poorly treated water supplies.
Is Loperamide Safe?
While loperamide is generally safe and effective when used as directed, it is important to note that it should not be used for prolonged periods or at high doses without medical supervision. If diarrhea persists for more than 48 hours or is accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, blood in the stool, or severe abdominal pain, it is advisable to seek medical attention.
Connect with your Rockdoc Travel Medicine Professional here to book a consultation to discuss your trip and obtain the prescription and vaccinations to travel with peace of mind.
We have made every effort to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the provided information, however, it is not feasible for us to update daily. Please book a virtual consultation with one of our Travel Medicine Professionals for current, personalized advice and answers to any questions you may have.
How to Prevent Traveler's Diarrhea
Preventive measures can significantly reduce the risk of traveler’s diarrhea. Some strategies include:
- Food and Water Safety: Drink bottled water or boil tap water before consumption. Avoid consuming raw or undercooked foods, unpeeled fruits and vegetables, and street vendor food unless it has been cooked or peeled in your presence.
- Hand Hygiene: Wash hands thoroughly with soap and clean water, or use alcohol-based hand sanitizers, especially before eating or preparing food, and after using the restroom or touching potentially contaminated surfaces.
- Practicing Good Hygiene: Maintain good personal hygiene by using clean utensils, avoiding sharing items like towels or utensils with others, and keeping personal belongings clean.
- Vaccine and Medication: Depending on the travel destination, certain vaccines or medications may be recommended to provide protection against specific pathogens that cause traveler’s diarrhea. Consult a Rockdoc Travel Medicine Professional for guidance.
- Traveler’s Diarrhea Kits: Consider carrying a traveler’s diarrhea kit containing oral rehydration salts, over-the-counter antidiarrheal medications (e.g., loperamide), and appropriate antibiotics, if prescribed by a healthcare professional.
Available travel vaccinations and medications
We offer the following travel vaccinations and medications:
- Tick-borne Encephalitis
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We know how hard it can be for Canadians to get the healthcare they need, when they need it. That’s why Rockdoc is on a mission to help Canadians navigate healthcare. We have decades of experience providing emergent, urgent, and continuing healthcare services and solutions – meeting and exceeding the standard of care for our patients and our communities.
Dr. Sam Gutman
Dr. Shaan Pawa
Associate Medical Director
MD CCFP-EM CTH®
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Medical Operations Manager
RN, BSN
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