Epidemiologic Trends in Loperamide Abuse and Misuse

Abstract

Loperamide abuse has been increasing in the United States as a potential alternative to manage opioid withdrawal symptoms or to achieve euphoric effects of opioid use. In June 2016, the Food and Drug Administration warned health care providers and the general public about potential serious adverse outcomes, including cardiac dysrhythmias and death. The purpose of this study is to determine recent trends in intentional loperamide abuse and misuse, reported clinical effects and management, and medical outcomes as reported to poison centers across the United States. Loperamide exposures reported to the National Poison Data System indicating intentional misuse, abuse, and suspected suicide between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2015, were assessed. Demographic and temporal trends, as well as reported clinical effects, medical management, and health outcomes, were analyzed. There was a 91% increase in reported exposures from 2010 to 2015, of which half were single-agent loperamide use only. Loperamide exposures reported to the National Poison Data System increased at approximately 38 cases per year (95% confidence interval [CI] 32.5 to 42.9; P<0.0001). Fifteen deaths were reported during this time frame, of which 8 involved single-agent loperamide abuse. Loperamide abuse and misuse are projected to increase in the absence of any methods to reduce exposure or curb abuse. Health care providers should consider the potential for loperamide toxicity when managing patients with opioidlike toxicity.