NALOXONE INHIBITS THE ANTI‐DIARRHOEAL ACTIVITY OF LOPERAMIDE

Abstract

1 Subcutaneous prostaglandin E2 (2.5 mg/kg) produces profuse diarrhoea in fed rats. 2 Pretreatment of rats with subcutaneous loperamide (1.0 mg/kg) completely prevents prostaglandin-induced diarrhoea. If naloxone is administered prior to loperamide injections the activity of the antidiarrhoeal compound is completely destroyed. 3 These data provide strong evidence that the antidiarrhoeal activity of loperamide is mediated via the opiate receptor.