FDA: Potentially Fatal Cardiac Events Possible with High Doses of Loperamide

Taking higher that recommended doses of the over-the-counter and prescription diarrhea medication loperamide can lead to serious heart problems and possibly death, according to a warning from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The FDA noted that the majority of reported serious heart problems occurred in individuals intentionally misusing or abusing loperamide for the self-treatment of opioid withdrawal symptoms or in an attempt to achieve a feeling of euphoria.
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In response to this issue, the FDA is recommending that health care professionals be aware of the potential adverse effects of loperamide and consider the drug as a possible cause of unexplained cardiac events. If loperamide toxicity is suspected, health care professionals should discontinue the drug and begin necessary therapy.

Health care professionals are encouraged to report any adverse events related to loperamide to the FDA.

—Michael Potts

Reference:

FDA. Loperamide (Imodium): drug safety communication - serious heart problems with high doses from abuse and misuse. http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation/SafetyAlertsforHumanMedicalProducts/ucm505303.htm. Posted June 7, 2016. Accessed June 8, 2016.