MedlinePlus Drug Information: Loperamide

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Other drug names:	A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 0-9

Loperamide

(loe per' a mide)

Contents of this page:
Why is this medication prescribed? How should this medicine be used? What special precautions should I follow? What should I do if I forget a dose? What side effects can this medication cause?	What storage conditions are needed for this medicine? What other information should I know? Brand names Brand names of combination products

Why is this medication prescribed? Return to top

Loperamide is used to control diarrhea. It is available with or without a prescription.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How should this medicine be used? Return to top

Loperamide comes as a tablet, capsule, and liquid to take by mouth. It usually is taken immediately after each loose bowel movement; it is sometimes taken on a schedule (one or more times a day) for chronic diarrhea. Follow the directions on the package or on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take loperamide exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

If your symptoms do not improve within 2 days (10 days for chronic diarrhea) or if you develop a fever or bloody stools, call your doctor. Drink plenty of water or other beverages to replace fluids lost while having diarrhea.

What special precautions should I follow? Return to top

Before taking loperamide,

tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to loperamide or any other drugs.
tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking.
tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have a fever.
tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking loperamide, call your doctor.
you should know that this drug may make you drowsy and dizzy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.

What should I do if I forget a dose? Return to top

If you are taking scheduled doses of loperamide, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What side effects can this medication cause? Return to top

Loperamide may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

dry mouth
dizziness
drowsiness
vomiting
stomach pain, discomfort, or distention (enlargement)
constipation
fatigue

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

skin rash
hives
itching
wheezing
difficulty breathing

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/index.html] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine? Return to top

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

What other information should I know? Return to top

Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about taking this medicine.

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.

Brand names Return to top

Anti-Diarrheal Formula®
Anti-Diarrheal Formula® Caplets®

Imodium® A-D
Imodium® A-D Caplets®

Brand names of combination products Return to top

Imodium® Advanced Chewable Tablets containing Loperamide Hydrochloride and Simethicone

Imodium®Advanced Caplets® containing Loperamide Hydrochloride and Simethicone

Last Revised - 01/01/2002
Last Reviewed - 08/01/2007

American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. Disclaimer