Prostaglandin‐Induced Diarrhoea Treated with Loperamide or Diphenoxylate

Abstract

Loperamide was compared double-blind with diphenoxylate and a placebo in 59 women with diarrhea due to prostaglandin [PG] administration for mid-trimester abortion. Treatment was started with intake of 2 capsules 2 h before the 1st i.m. injection of 15(S-)15 methyl PG F2.alpha. and was then adapted individually, i.e., 1 capsule after each unformed stool, with a maximum of 10/24 h. Both antidiarrheals were significantly more effective than the placebo in preventing diarrhea, and loperamide was more active than diphenoxylate. The course of abortion, BP [blood pressure] and vital signs, or PG side-effects other than diarrhea were not affected by either antidiarrheal, nor could any adverse experience be specifically attributed to them.