PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - MacDonald, Ryan
AU  - Heiner, Jason
AU  - Villarreal, Joshua
AU  - Strote, Jared
TI  - Loperamide dependence and abuse
AID  - 10.1136/bcr-2015-209705
DP  - 2015 May 02
TA  - BMJ Case Reports
PG  - bcr2015209705
VI  - 2015
4099  - http://casereports.bmj.com/content/2015/bcr-2015-209705.short
4100  - http://casereports.bmj.com/content/2015/bcr-2015-209705.full
AB  - Loperamide is a common over-the-counter antidiarrheal considered safe in a broad range of dosages and thought devoid of abuse potential. We describe the first case of a patient with loperamide dependence due to misuse of its opiate-like effects achieved by chronic massive oral ingestions. A 26-year-old man who was taking 800 mg of loperamide per day presented requesting detoxification referral. Loperamide has potential for euphoric effects and information on how to facilitate such effects is easily available. It is important for physicians to be aware of the potential for misuse of and dependence on loperamide, with symptoms mimicking opiate use.