Uses of Crofelemer

Crofelemer's effect is proven effective in the treatment of diarrhea. At the enterocyte membrane of enterocytes, this substance becomes an inhibitor of both the adenosine monophosphate-stimulating channel (cAMP), the transmembrane cystic fibrosis cell-stimulating (CFTR) channel, the chloride ion channel (Cl-) and the active Cl- channel. calcium metabolism (CaCC).
Crofelemer works by blocking Cl excretion and the massive water loss that accompanies diarrhea, normalizing the flow of Cl and water in the gastrointestinal tract.
When taking the drug, food will not affect the bioavailability of the drug. When entering the human body, crofelemer has minimal absorption in healthy adults, HIV-positive patients, plasma concentrations of crofelemer below the quantifiable level (50 ng/mL). .
The distribution of crofelemer in the human body has not been determined. Many people worry that this drug will pass into breast milk or not, but there are no specific reports yet.

Crofelemer is indicated for prescription in the following cases:
Improve non-infectious diarrhea in people with HIV . On the other hand, in order to ensure the safety of the patient's health, the drug is not prescribed for people who are sensitive to any ingredient of Crofelemer. In addition, cases of diarrhea caused by infection are also not indicated to prescribe this drug.

3.1. How to use Crofelemer is in the form of extended-release tablets, so patients are advised to take the drug orally. You can take the medicine before or after a meal. In order not to affect the medicinal properties of the drug, you need to take the tablet whole, do not crush or break the tablet. When taking, do not suck or chew the medicine.
The use of drugs underdosing or overdosing can reduce effectiveness as well as increase side effects. Therefore, patients need to take the drug regularly. To avoid forgetting a dose, set an alarm or ask a loved one to remind you to take your medicine at the same time of day.
The effect of the drug will be manifested after a few months of use. If the patient's condition does not improve, the patient should notify the doctor to change the dose or change the drug.
3.2. Dosage of the drug For each patient, the dose of the drug can be adjusted differently. Here is the dose that patients can refer to:
Dosage for adults is 125 mg x 2 times / day Dosage for children under 18 years: Use only when absolutely necessary Liver failure has no specific dosing recommendations. Elderly: The dose of the drug is prescribed by the doctor. During treatment, if you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. In case it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose as scheduled;
Using an overdose of Crofelemer can cause dangerous symptoms. Therefore, when there are abnormal signs suspected of drug overdose, you need to notify your doctor for timely treatment.

Before prescribing Crofelemer, the doctor has weighed the benefits and risks that the drug brings to the patient. However, there is still a risk of side effects during treatment. Specifically:
The most common side effects can be mentioned as: Abdominal pain, acne, increased aspartate aminotransferase, increased conjugated bilirubin, increased unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia, constipation, depression, dermatitis, .. Less common and rare undesirable side effects such as: upper respiratory tract infection, bronchitis, cough, shortness of breath, flatulence, increased bilirubin levels.... The above list is not exhaustive. As a side effect of Crofelemer, you may experience one or more other side effects. Then, consult your doctor for symptomatic treatment. Some side effects go away on their own after stopping the medication, while others require treatment.

Drug interaction is a common condition when treating diseases. Specifically, when combining one or more drugs together, the drug will increase or decrease the therapeutic effect, or give rise to some unwanted effects that are detrimental to the patient. This is not an uncommon phenomenon.
To use drugs safely, to limit this interaction, the patient should inform the treating doctor about the drugs you are taking. From there, the doctor will decide whether prescribing this drug is appropriate or not or adjust the dose and duration of each drug.
At the same time, patients must not arbitrarily take the drug, stop or change the dose of the drug without the permission of the doctor.
In addition, Crofelemer may interact with alcohol, beer or certain foods. Therefore, you should ask your doctor about combining them together to limit this condition.

Caution when using Crofelemer in the following cases:
When using Crofelemer, patients need to be especially careful, this drug is not applicable to patients with diarrhea caused by infection. In case the patient has infectious diarrhea but still receives treatment based on the presumptive diagnosis of non-infectious diarrhea, it will make the condition worse and make it difficult to treat. Dosage for CD4 cell count and HIV viral load is not recommended. Pregnant women should only use Crofelemer when clearly needed. Women with HIV or AIDS should not breastfeed because the virus can be transmitted through breast milk. Patients with a history of celiac disease, pancreatitis, Crohn's disease (inflammatory bowel disease), ulcerative colitis, etc. should inform their doctor. The effectiveness of the medicine may be reduced if the patient does not store the medicine properly. Therefore, you need to carefully read the instructions for storing the medicine on the box and read the instructions for use of the medicine. Store the medicine in a dry place, avoid direct exposure to sunlight or high temperature, it can convert the ingredients in the medicine. In short, Crofelemer is a prescription drug and is used as directed by your doctor. Patients need to follow the instructions on how to use, dose and be cautious to use the drug safely and effectively.
Follow Vinmec International General Hospital website to get more health, nutrition and beauty information to protect the health of yourself and your loved ones in your family.