Description:

Colodium  is an antidiarrheal medication used to relieve the symptoms of acute and chronic diarrhoea. It works by slowing intestinal motility (movement), reducing the frequency of bowel movements, increasing stool consistency, and decreasing urgency. It is commonly indicated for:

• Acute nonspecific diarrhoea (e.g., traveler’s diarrhoea, food poisoning).
• Chronic diarrhoea associated with inflammatory bowel disease (as adjunctive therapy).
• Reduction of ileostomy or colostomy output. In Ghana (Accra), Colodium is a widely available, affordable over-the-counter antidiarrheal capsule sold in pharmacies for symptomatic relief of uncomplicated diarrhoea.

Prescription: Over-the-counter (OTC) in Ghana for short-term use in adults.

Therapeutic Category:

• Antidiarrheal / Opioid Receptor Agonist (μ-opioid receptor agonist acting locally in the gut).

  Active Ingredients/Composition: Each capsule contains:

  • Active ingredient: Loperamide hydrochloride – 2 mg. Other ingredients (excipients, typical): Lactose monohydrate, maize starch, magnesium stearate, talc, gelatin (capsule shell), titanium dioxide, and colorants (capsules are usually green/yellow or blue/white).

  Vitamins: None.

  Minerals: None.

  Variant:

  • Colodium 2mg capsules (standard strength; common pack of 10 or 20 capsules). Related variants: Loperamide 2mg capsules in other brands, loperamide syrup (for children), or loperamide + simethicone combinations (for gas/bloating). The 2mg capsule is the only standard variant.

  Consume Type:

• Oral – Hard gelatin capsule (swallow whole with water; do not crush or chew).

  Directions/Usage: Adults and children over 12 years:

  • Acute diarrhoea: Initial dose 4 mg (2 capsules), followed by 2 mg (1 capsule) after each loose stool (maximum 16 mg/day or 8 capsules).
  • After initial control: Reduce to 2 mg after each loose stool or 4–6 mg daily as maintenance.
  • Stop when stools normalize (usually within 48 hours).
  • Do not use for more than 48 hours without medical advice.
  • Take with a full glass of water.
  • Not recommended for children under 12 years without medical supervision.

  Common Side Effects: Common:

  • Constipation (most frequent – dose-limiting).
  • Abdominal cramps or bloating.
  • Nausea.
  • Drowsiness or dizziness.
  • Dry mouth. Rare/serious (seek help): Severe constipation/toxic megacolon (especially in dysentery or inflammatory bowel disease), severe abdominal pain/distension, allergic reactions (rash, swelling), or CNS effects (confusion – rare).

  Package Type:

• Blister packs (commonly 10 capsules per strip; packs of 1×10 or 2×10 = 20 capsules; foil blisters in carton or simple box with patient information leaflet).

  Storage Advice: Store at room temperature (below 25–30°C) in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat. Keep in original packaging, tightly closed. Out of reach of children.

  Safety Advice:

  • Do not use if diarrhoea is caused by bacterial infection with fever or bloody stools (e.g., Shigella, Salmonella, Campylobacter – may prolong illness).
  • Contraindicated in:
    • Hypersensitivity to loperamide
    • Acute dysentery (bloody diarrhoea with fever)
    • Pseudomembranous colitis (C. difficile-associated)
    • Conditions where inhibition of peristalsis is dangerous (e.g., ileus, toxic megacolon)
  • Caution in pregnancy/breastfeeding (use only if benefits outweigh risks), liver impairment (reduced metabolism – lower dose), or concurrent use of drugs that prolong QT interval.
  • Stop use and seek medical care if:
    • No bowel movement after 2 days of use
    • Severe constipation, abdominal distension, or pain
    • Fever, blood in stool, or worsening symptoms
  • Avoid alcohol (may increase drowsiness).
  • Keep out of reach of children (overdose risk – can cause severe constipation, respiratory depression, or cardiac effects).

  Product Substitutes: Similar loperamide 2mg capsules in Ghana include:

  • Generic loperamide hydrochloride 2mg capsules (various importers).
  • Imodium (original Johnson & Johnson brand if stocked).
  • Other brands like Loperamide Sandoz, Diastop, or local generics. Alternatives: Racecadotril (e.g., Hidrasec – antisecretory), oral rehydration salts (for hydration), or bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol). Consult pharmacist in Accra (e.g., Scab Pharmacy) for availability.

  Manufacturer/Marketer:

• Hovid Berhad.

  Country of Origin:

• Malaysia.