Licorice - Imodium (Loperamide) Interaction
Herbal: Licorice
Also Known As: Glycyrrhiza echinate, Alcacuz, Bois Doux, Can Cao, Deglycyrrhized Licorice, Gan Cao, Gan Zao, Glabra, Glycyrrhizic Acid, Glycyrrhizinic Acid, Kanzo, Lakritze, Liquiritiae Radix, Liquirizia, Mulathi, Mulethi, Orozuz, Subholz, Yashtimadhu, Yashti-Madhu
Drug: Loperamide
Brand names:
Imodium, Loperamide
Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
May 26, 2024
Interaction Details
Loperamide is classified as belonging to the following category: P-Glycoprotein Substrates
Theoretically, licorice might decrease the absorption of P-glycoprotein substrates.
In vitro research shows that licorice can increase P-glycoprotein activity.
Interaction Rating
Likelihood of Occurrence
PossibleInteraction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
References
- Wang H, Dong L, Qu F, et al. Effects of glycyrrhizin on the pharmacokinetics of nobiletin in rats and its potential mechanism. Pharm Biol. 2020 Dec;58(1):352-356.
Licorice Overview
Licorice, also known as glycyrrhiza, is a plant native to parts of Europe, Asia, and the Mediterranean region. The root of the plant has been used for centuries in traditional medicine and is often consumed in the form of candy, tea, and supplements.
Licorice has a number of purported health benefits, including the ability to soothe sore throats, reduce inflammation, and improve digestive problems. It may also have antiviral and antibacterial properties.
Licorice naturally contains glycyrrhizin, or glycyrrhizic acid, which can have toxic effects if consumed in large amounts. However, licorice can be processed to remove glycyrrhizin, resulting in DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice). Many dietary supplements that contain deglycyrrhizinated licorice are often simply named 'DGL'.
Loperamide Overview
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Nonprescription (over-the-counter) loperamide is used to control acute diarrhea (loose stools that come on suddenly and usually lasts less than 2 weeks), including travelers' diarrhea. Prescription loperamide is also used to control acute diarrhea and also ongoing diarrhea associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD; condition in which the lining of all or part of the intestine is swollen, irritated, or has sores). Prescription loperamide is also used to reduce the amount of fluid in people with ileostomies (surgery to create an opening for waste to leave the body through the abdomen). Loperamide is in a class of medications called antidiarrheal agents. It works by decreasing the flow of fluids and electrolytes into the bowel and by slowing down the movement of the bowel to decrease the number of bowel movements.
Licorice - More Interactions
Licorice interacts with 951 drugs
Interaction Rating Key
These severity listings are for informational use only. Never start, stop or otherwise change your therapy before speaking with your provider.
| Major | The combined use of these agents is strongly discouraged as serious side effects or other negative outcomes could occur. |
| Moderate | Use cautiously under the care of a healthcare professional or avoid this combination. A significant interaction or negative outcome could occur. |
| Minor | Be aware that there is a chance of an interaction. Watch for warning signs of a potential interaction. |
| Unknown | No interactions have been reported or no interaction data is currently available. |
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Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.
DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.
© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC
Drug descriptions are provided by MedlinePlus.
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Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
In addition to being a clinical pharmacist specializing in pharmacotherapy, Dr. Brian Staiger is a registered herbalist through the American Herbalist Guild. He has combined his passion for pharmacy practice with the study of medical ethnobotany to improve patient care. Feel free to reach out about any of your herbal or medication questions!
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