Generic name: loperamide (loe PER a mide)
Brand name: Diamode, Imodium A-D, Imodium A-D EZ Chews, Imodium A-D New Formula, Imodium, Maalox Anti-Diarrheal, Pepto Diarrhea Control, Imotil, Kao-Paverin, Kaopectate 1-D, Diar-Aid
Dosage forms: oral capsule (2 mg); oral liquid (1 mg/5 mL; 1 mg/7.5 mL); oral suspension (1 mg/7.5 mL); oral tablet (2 mg); oral tablet, chewable (2 mg)
Drug class: Antidiarrheals
Loperamide is used to treat diarrhea.
Loperamide is also used to reduce the amount of stool in people who have an ileostomy (re-routing of the bowel through a surgical opening in the stomach).
Loperamide may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
You should not use loperamide if you have ulcerative colitis, bloody or tarry stools, diarrhea with a high fever, or diarrhea caused by antibiotic medication.
Loperamide is safe when used as directed. TAKING TOO MUCH LOPERAMIDE CAN CAUSE SERIOUS HEART PROBLEMS OR DEATH.
Serious heart problems may also happen if you take loperamide with other medicines. Ask a doctor or pharmacist about safely using medications together.
Do not give loperamide to a child younger than 2 years old.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use loperamide if you are allergic to it, or if you have:
- stomach pain without diarrhea;
- diarrhea with a high fever;
- ulcerative colitis;
- diarrhea that is caused by a bacterial infection; or
- stools that are bloody, black, or tarry.
Ask your doctor before using loperamide to treat diarrhea caused by taking an antibiotic (Clostridium difficile).
Do not give loperamide to a child younger than 2 years old. Do not give loperamide to an older child or teenager without a doctor's advice.
Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to take loperamide if you have:
- a fever;
- mucus in your stools;
- liver disease; or
- a heart rhythm disorder.
Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant.
You should not breast-feed while you are using loperamide.
How should I take loperamide?
Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.
Loperamide is safe when used as directed. TAKING TOO MUCH LOPERAMIDE CAN CAUSE SERIOUS HEART PROBLEMS OR DEATH.
Always follow directions on the medicine label about giving loperamide to a child. A safe dose of loperamide is different for an adult than for a child. Doses in children are based on the child's age.
Take loperamide with a full glass of water. Diarrhea can cause your body to lose fluids and electrolytes. Drink plenty of liquids to keep from getting dehydrated.
The loperamide chewable tablet must be chewed before swallowing.
Shake the oral suspension (liquid) before you measure a dose. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).
Not all liquid forms of loperamide are the same strengths. Carefully follow all dosing instructions for the medicine you are using.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not allow the liquid medicine to freeze.
Stop taking loperamide and call your doctor if you still have diarrhea after 2 days of treatment, or if you also have stomach bloating.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Since loperamide is used when needed, it does not have a daily dosing schedule. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after using loperamide.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose of loperamide can be fatal.
Overdose symptoms may include fast or irregular heartbeats, or fainting. A person caring for you should seek emergency medical attention if you pass out and are hard to wake up.
What should I avoid while taking loperamide?
Avoid drinking tonic water. It can interact with loperamide and may cause serious heart problems.
Avoid becoming dehydrated by drinking plenty of fluids. Avoid vigorous exercise or exposure to hot weather if you are dehydrated.
Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how loperamide will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.
Loperamide side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning in your eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash that spreads and causes blistering and peeling).
Stop taking loperamide and call your doctor at once if you have:
- diarrhea that is watery or bloody;
- stomach pain or bloating;
- ongoing or worsening diarrhea; or
- fast or pounding heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, shortness of breath, and sudden dizziness (like you might pass out).
Common side effects may include:
- constipation;
- dizziness, drowsiness;
- nausea; or
- stomach cramps.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect loperamide?
Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medications at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you take. Ask a doctor or pharmacist about safely using medications together.
Loperamide can cause a serious heart problem. Your risk may be higher if you also use certain other medicines for infections, heart problems, depression, mental illness, cancer, malaria, or HIV.
Many drugs can affect loperamide. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed here. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.