Uses
Crofelemer is used to control some types of diarrhea in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection who are being treated with certain medications.
Crofelemer is in a class of medications called botanicals. It works by decreasing the amount of fluid that flows into the bowel that can cause diarrhea.
Side Effects Of Crofelemer
Crofelemer may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- runny nose, sneezing, or cough
- tiredness, fever, chills, cough with mucus (sputum), or chest tightness
- gas
- nausea
- swelling of the abdomen
- hemorrhoids
- back or joint pain
- difficult, painful, or frequent urination
- urine that is cloudy or discolored
- back pain or pressure in the lower abdomen
- anxiety
Crofelemer may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
Warnings & Precautions
Before taking crofelemer:
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to crofelemer, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in crofelemer tablets. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking crofelemer, call your doctor.
Dosage Of Crofelemer
Crofelemer comes as a delayed-release (releases the medication in the intestine where its effects are needed) tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken two times a day, with or without food. Take crofelemer at around the same times every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take crofelemer exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Swallow the tablets whole; do not chew or crush them.
Other
Keep all appointments with your doctor.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription of crofelemer.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Source
All information has been provided courtesy of MedLinePlus from the National Library of Medicine and from the FDA.
