loperamide hydrochloride
(loh-PER-uh-mide HY-droh-KLOR-ide)
A drug used to treat diarrhea. Loperamide hydrochloride works by binding to mu opioid receptors in the intestines, which slows the movement of the muscles in the intestines. This gives the body more time to absorb water and electrolytes from the feces (waste matter), resulting in firmer and less frequent bowel movements. Loperamide hydrochloride is a type of synthetic opioid agonist that works only in the gut when used as directed. Also called Imodium.