How To Use Loperamide

Loperamide hydrochloride comes in the form of a tablet, capsule, or liquid solution to take by mouth, as needed, after loose stools. You can take a repeat dose if your diarrhea continues after the first dose. However, do not take two doses together. Prescription loperamide may be taken on schedule.

Read the prescription label and package insert carefully, and take loperamide exactly as directed. Do not exceed the recommended dosage indicated on the package. Do not self-treat with higher doses of loperamide if your diarrhea does not improve after taking the recommended doses.

Do not give loperamide formulations meant for adults to a child. Read the package label for over-the-counter loperamide products and give the appropriate dose for your child’s age and body weight. Loperamide should not be given to children younger than 2 years of age.

If you are using loperamide liquid medicine, use a dose-measuring cup or syringe to measure the dose accurately. Using a kitchen spoon can result in wrong dosing, which can make the medication ineffective (too little medicine) or result in high blood levels (too much medicine) and an increased risk of severe side effects.

If your diarrhea does not improve after 48 hours or your symptoms are worse after taking loperamide, stop taking it and call your doctor.

Missed dose: Loperamide is usually taken as needed to control diarrhea. If you are taking it on schedule for chronic diarrhea and miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose according to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose or extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

Storage: Store loperamide at room temperature (between 15-30° C or 59-86° F) away from moisture, heat, and direct light in its original container, tightly closed. Do not store medications in the bathroom where they can be exposed to moisture and heat. Keep all medications safely out of reach of children and pets.

Unused medicine: Unused loperamide should be disposed of in a way that children, other people, and pets cannot get to them. Do not throw loperamide in the trash or flush it down the toilet. The best way to dispose of expired or unneeded loperamide is through a drug take-back program. Learn more about proper medication disposal. 

NOTE: This medication guide is a summary and may not contain all possible drug information on loperamide. The information contained here may not be up-to-date. This sheet is for information purposes only. If you have questions about loperamide, talk to your doctor for medical advice.

Discounted prices for loperamide start at $13.15.

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