Risk of Cardiac Lesion with Chronic and Acute Use of Loperamide—An Integrative Review

Abstract

Loperamide is a synthetic opioid commonly used as an antidiarrheal due to its activation of u-opioid receptors in the myenteric plexus. In therapeutic doses, it inhibits peristalsis and has anti-secretory and anti-motility effects, until metabolized by intestinal and hepatic CYP3A4 and CYP2C8 into inactive metabolites. Furthermore, loperamide also inhibits L-type voltage-gated calcium (Ca2+) channels, increases action potential duration, and can induce arrhythmias and even cardiotoxicity, particularly when taken in extremely high doses. Thus, the aim of this study was to perform an integrative review of the available evidence in the recent literature on the cardiac risks of acute and chronic use of loperamide. In electrocardiogram (ECG) analysis, the most common finding was QTc prolongation in 27 cases, followed by QRS prolongation, first-degree atrioventricular (AV) block, torsades de pointes, ventricular tachycardia, and right bundle branch block. As for the symptoms encountered, syncope, weakness, palpitations, lightheadedness, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, bradycardia, and cardiac arrest were the most common. Loperamide can inhibit hERG voltage-gated potassium (K+) channels (Kv11.1), leading to the prolongation of repolarization, QTc interval prolongation, and increased risk of torsades de pointes. In addition, loperamide can inhibit voltage-gated sodium (Na+) channels (Nav1.5), impairing electrical cardiac conduction and potentiating QRS interval widening. Therefore, QTc prolongation, torsades de pointes, and other ECG alterations are of particular concern regarding loperamide toxicity, particularly when overdosed.