Loperamide (By mouth)
loe-PER-a-mide
Treats diarrhea and decreases the amount of drainage in patients who have ostomies.
Drug classes
Antidiarrheal, Gastrointestinal Agent (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Loperamide is a medicine used along with other measures to treat diarrhea. Loperamide helps stop diarrhea by slowing down the movements of the intestines.
In the U.S., loperamide capsules are available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Liquid Filled Capsule, Tablet, Capsule, Liquid
Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to take and how often.
Drink plenty of water while using this medicine.
May be taken on an empty or full stomach.
If a dose is missed:
Take the missed dose as soon as possible.
If it is almost time for your next regular dose, wait until then to use your medicine and skip the missed dose.
You should not use two doses at the same time.
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:
Store at room temperature, away from heat and moisture. Do not freeze the oral liquid.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
When Not To Use
You should not use this medicine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to loperamide or if you have severe colitis, diarrhea caused by antibiotics, or dysentery. Do not give to children under 2 years of age.
Warnings
Do not give loperamide to children or an elderly person unless your doctor tells you to.
Make sure your doctor knows if you are using any antibiotic drug.
Loperamide solution (liquid) contains alcohol.
If you are still having diarrhea after using this medicine for 2 days, call your doctor.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Constipation with nausea and vomiting
Bloating
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Dry mouth
Changes in vision, such as trouble focusing
Drowsiness or dizziness
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Anti-Diarrheal, Diamode, Good Neighbor Pharmacy Anti-Diarrheal, Good Neighbor Pharmacy Loperamide Hydrochloride, Good Sense Anti-Diarrheal, GoodSense Loperamide Hydrochloride, Health Mart Loperamide HCl, Imodium, Imodium A-D, Imogen, Imotil, Imperim, Kao-Paverin Caps, Kaodene A-D, Leader Anti-Diarrheal, QC Anti-Diarrheal, Quality Choice Anti-Diarrheal, Rite Aid Anti-Diarrheal
There may be other brand names for this medicine.
