Symptoms: In case of overdose (including relative overdose due to hepatic dysfunction), CNS depression (stupor, coordination abnormality, somnolence, miosis, muscular hypertonia, and respiratory depression), urinary retention and ileus may occur. Children may be more sensitive to CNS effects than adults.
In individuals who have intentionally ingested overdoses (reported in doses from 40mg up to 792mg per day) of loperamide HCl, prolongation of the QT/QTc interval, Torsades de Pointes, other ventricular arrhythmias and cardiac arrest, have been observed (see Warnings and Precautions). Fatal cases have also been reported. Abuse, misuse and/or overdose with excessively large doses of loperamide, may unmask Brugada syndrome.
Upon cessation, cases of drug withdrawal syndrome, have been observed in individuals abusing, misusing or intentionally overdosing with excessively large doses of loperamide.
Treatment: In case of overdose, ECG monitoring for QT interval prolongation should be initiated.
If CNS symptoms of overdose occur, naloxone can be given as an antidote. Since the duration of action of Loperamide HCl is longer than that of naloxone (1 to 3 hours), repeated treatment with naloxone might be indicated. Therefore, the patient should be monitored closely for at least 48 hours in order to detect possible CNS depression.