Anti-Diarrheals: Loperamide and Diphenoxylate Atropine

Introduction

• Anti-diarrheals are medications that treat diarrhea by increasing fluid and electrolyte absorption in the intestines.
• Mnemonic video to help remember key facts about anti-diarrheals.

Common Anti-Diarrheal Drugs

Loperamide

• Mnemonic: Loafer for Loperamide
• Brand Name: Imodium
• Used to treat diarrhea by reducing the frequency and liquidity of stool.
• Mechanism: Binds to opiate receptors in the gut, causing constipation.
• Note: While opioids typically have a side effect of constipation, this effect is used therapeutically in anti-diarrheals.
• Not a controlled substance due to quick metabolism and low abuse potential.

Diphenoxylate Atropine

• Mnemonic: Dolphin socks for Diphenoxylate; tropics for Atropine
• Brand Name: Lomotil
• Combination drug: Diphenoxylate (opioid) and Atropine (antimuscarinic).
• Mechanism: Similar to loperamide, targets opiate receptors in the gut to slow bowel movements.
• Not a controlled substance for the same reasons as loperamide.

Important Points

• Anti-diarrheals use the constipating effect of opioids to treat diarrhea.
• These drugs do not address the underlying cause (e.g., bacterial infections); antibiotics may be necessary if the diarrhea is infection-based.
• Goal: Reduce frequency and liquidity of stool.

Recap

• Key anti-diarrheal drugs: Loperamide and Diphenoxylate Atropine.
• They reduce diarrhea by slowing intestinal movements and increasing fluid absorption.

Additional Resources

• Watch more videos, subscribe to the channel, and use additional resources for further study.

Tip: Remember the mnemonics "Loafer" for Loperamide and "Dolphin socks" for Diphenoxylate to aid in recall during exams.