Opioid receptor agonist
Binds to opioid receptors in the gut wall, reducing peristalsis.Also increases anal tone.
Prescribing information:
Acute diarrhoea
- 4 mg initially, followed by 2 mg after each loose stool for up to 5 days; usual dose 6-8 mg daily.
- Maximum dose 16 mg daily.
Chronic diarrhoea in adults
- Initially 4-8 mg daily in divided doses, subsequently adjusted according to response and given in two divided doses for maintenance.
- Maximum dose 16 mg daily.
Alternative antimotility drugs
- Codeine
- Morphine
- Co-phenotrope
- Bile salt sequestrants (e.g. colestyramine, aluminium hydroxide) for patients who have had an ileal resection or who have ileal disease.
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