Addicts Use Diarrhea Meds For Self-Treating Opioid Dependence; Doctors Raise Alarm On Loperamide Abuse

Addicts have been using an over-the-counter medication to sustain their drug dependency. A report has uncovered that opioid users on withdrawal are popping diarrhea meds or loperamide pills, also known as Imodium, to get high. Doctors warn that this could lead to fatal results.

The report, which was published in the Annals of Emergency Medicine, cites that opioid addicts have been taking at least 50 to 300 loperamide pills a day. Because the diarrhea medication is low cost and easy to purchase at drugstores, addicts have been overdosing on this while going through the symptoms of withdrawal. However, misuse of Imodium has already lead to deaths.

Two patients who have overdosed on loperamide were outlined in the study. They were treated "with cardiopulmonary resuscitation, naloxone and standard Advanced Cardiac Life Support" at the hospital to flush out the toxins.  Despite this, the patients apparently died.

Immodium (loperamide) abuse in the states. Big doses and cardiac toxicity an issue. https://t.co/hvRTHeKpYB

— Anthony Cox (@drarcox) May 6, 2016

Diarrhea Meds Or Loperamide Contains Opoiod

The Washington Post reports that loperamide has small amounts of opioids in its active ingredients. Opioids can lead to constipation as it affects the function of the intestines. But unlike opioid prescription pills like Oxycontin, Vicodin and Percocet, the diarrhea medicine is not a painkiller. 

Loperamide use was approved in the 70s and was known to have "low threats for potential abuse," per 1980 study published in the journal Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics. However, loperamide abuse has gradually increased over the years and has been previously identified in a 2013 study. "There is a growing demand among people who are opioid dependent for drugs to control withdrawal symptoms, and loperamide appears to fit that role," the study outline noted, per National Institutes of Health.

Consuming Large Doses of Loperamide for Self Treatment of Opioid Addiction Can be Fatal https://t.co/yP2nK79kVZ pic.twitter.com/JU8InrcDk9

— Nature World News (@NatureWorldNews) May 8, 2016

Loperamide Abuse Warning To Health Workers

"Our nation's growing population of opioid-addicted patients is seeking alternative drug sources with prescription opioid medication abuse being limited by new legislation and regulations," said lead study author Dr. William Eggleston, per Science Daily. Eggleston stressed about how all medicines, regardless of the type, can lead to dangerous and poisonous results when overused. He also sought health care workers to be extra vigilant about loperamide abuse in patients.