A Case Report of Cardiogenic Syncope Due to Loperamide Abuse: Acute Presentation and Novel Use of Buprenorphine

INTRODUCTION: Loperamide is a non-prescription anti-diarrheal agent targeting μ-opioid receptors in the intestinal tract. At high doses it crosses the blood-brain barrier, where μ-opioid agonism can cause euphoric effects. Misuse has been increasing for both the euphoric effects and as an alternative treatment for opioid dependence and withdrawal. CASE REPORT: Here we report the case of a 30-year-old woman presenting with syncope, who was found to have severe myocardial conduction delays in the setting of chronic loperamide abuse. CONCLUSION: Treatment with sodium bicarbonate and hypertonic sodium resulted in improvement of her conduction abnormalities. Prior to discharge she was initiated on buprenorphine for her opioid use disorder.