Loperamide: Uses, How It Works, Medicines
Loperamide is a medicine that slows the gut to treat sudden (acute) diarrhoea, including travellers' diarrhoea. It is not for young children, and it is not for bloody diarrhoea or diarrhoea with fever. Taking more than the label allows can cause serious heart problems. Drinking fluids and oral rehydration solution (ORS) remains the main treatment.
Also known as: Loperamide 2 mg, Loperamide hydrochloride, Loperamide capsule, Imodium, Eldoper, Anti-diarrhoea capsule, Loose motion capsule
Pharmacist review in progress. This page is based on the sources listed below and is being checked by our registered pharmacist.
How does Loperamide work?
Loperamide acts on the wall of the gut to slow the movement of its contents. The bowel then has more time to absorb water, so stools become firmer and less frequent.
How to take Loperamide
Follow the label or your doctor's advice. Loperamide is taken by mouth and should not be taken for more than the time or amount stated on the pack. Stop and see a doctor if diarrhoea lasts longer than 2 days.
Side effects of Loperamide
Most people have few side effects when loperamide is used as directed. The serious risks are mainly linked to taking too much.
Uncommon or mild
- Constipation
- Tiredness
- Drowsiness or dizziness
- Wind or stomach discomfort
- Feeling sick (nausea)
Rare but serious: get medical help
- Signs of a severe allergic reaction: swelling of the face, lips or throat, difficulty breathing, wheezing or a widespread rash. Get medical help immediately
- A fast, irregular or pounding heartbeat, dizziness or fainting. Get medical help immediately
- Fever, a swollen or very painful stomach, or blood in the stool
- Red, peeling or blistering skin
Who should be careful
Loperamide treats the symptom, not the cause, and it is not safe in every kind of diarrhoea.
When the label says not to use it
- Children below the age stated on the pack
- Diarrhoea with blood in the stool or with a high fever
- A swollen, painful stomach or suspected bowel blockage
- Allergy to loperamide
- Children: not for young children. Check the age limit on the pack and ask a doctor before giving it to any child. Children with diarrhoea can become dehydrated quickly, so give ORS and see a doctor
- Bloody or black stools, mucus in the stool, or fever: do not take it; see a doctor, because slowing the gut can make some infections worse
- Diarrhoea that lasts longer than 2 days or gets worse: stop and see a doctor
- Never take more than the label allows: high doses can cause serious heart rhythm problems that can be fatal
- Heart rhythm problems (such as long QT or a slow or irregular heartbeat) or low potassium: ask your doctor first
- Diarrhoea after taking antibiotics, or with severe stomach pain or swelling: see a doctor before using it
- Liver disease: ask your doctor first
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding: ask your doctor first
- Drowsiness and dizziness: take care driving or using machinery until you know how it affects you
Medicines and things that interact with Loperamide
Some medicines raise the level of loperamide in the body, which can raise the heart risk. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about everything you take.
- Medicines that affect the heart rhythm: the risk of a heart rhythm problem may rise
- Some medicines that slow the breakdown of loperamide, such as certain antifungals, macrolide antibiotics and gemfibrozil: ask your doctor or pharmacist
- Other medicines that cause constipation or drowsiness, such as opioid painkillers: the effects may add up
If someone takes too much
Taking more loperamide than the label allows can cause nausea, fainting, an irregular heartbeat, confusion, slow or shallow breathing, and can be fatal. Call 112 or go to the nearest hospital straight away and take the medicine pack with you.
Regulatory status in India
Approved for sale in India. Single-ingredient loperamide capsules or tablets are not on the CDSCO section 26A list text checked for this batch, but liquid forms for paediatric use and combinations with furazolidone (or furazolidone and metronidazole) are prohibited, so check the ingredient list on the pack.
Type of medicine
Loperamide belongs to this type of medicine.
Medicines that contain Loperamide
These medicines sold in India contain Loperamide. They are listed A to Z, not ranked.
- Imodium · 2 mg capsule
What is Loperamide used for?
Medicines that contain Loperamide are used for these conditions.
Common questions
What is loperamide used for?
Loperamide is used for sudden (acute) diarrhoea, including travellers' diarrhoea. It slows the gut and makes stools firmer. It does not treat the infection that may be causing the diarrhoea.
Can I give loperamide to a child?
Not without a doctor's advice. It is not for young children, and the age limit is printed on the pack. Children can become dehydrated quickly. Give ORS and fluids and see a doctor early.
Can I take loperamide if there is blood in the stool or fever?
No. Blood or mucus in the stool, black stools or fever can mean a bacterial infection, and slowing the gut may make it worse. See a doctor instead of taking loperamide.
Why must I not take more than the label says?
High doses of loperamide can cause dangerous heart rhythm problems and can be fatal. Never take more than the label or your doctor advises. If you have taken too much, call 112 or go to a hospital at once.
Should I drink fluids or ORS with loperamide?
Yes. Diarrhoea removes water and salts from the body, and loperamide does not replace them. Drink plenty of clear fluids, and use ORS if you see signs of dehydration, such as dark urine, dry mouth or passing little urine.
Sources
- Loperamide. MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine
- Diarrhoea and vomiting. NHS (UK)
- ATC/DDD Index: A07DA03 loperamide. WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology
- List of drugs prohibited for manufacture and sale through gazette notifications under section 26A of the Drugs & Cosmetics Act 1940. Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO)