Loperamide Drug Details
Generic Name:
Common Brands:
Imodium, Imodium A-D, Kao-Paverin, Imotil, K-Pek II, Kaopectate 1-D, Pepto Diarrhea Control, Maalox Anti-Diarrheal
Availability:
Prescription and over-the-counter
Therapeutic Class:
Antidiarrheals
Forms:
Oral tablet, oral capsule, liquid solution
Administration:
By mouth
Therapeutic Uses:
- Acute diarrhea from infections such as travelers’ diarrhea
- Chronic diarrhea related to ongoing bowel conditions
- To reduce waste output in patients with ileostomies
Controlled Status:
Not a controlled substance
Loperamide Drug Class
Loperamide (loe-per-ah-mide) is an anti-diarrheal medication.
Loperamide Age Range
Loperamide is approved for use in adults and children over 2 years of age. Read the package label carefully before giving loperamide to a child. Some formulations are for adults and children over 12 years of age, while others are approved for use in children 6-11 years of age. Loperamide should be used with caution in young children under 6 years of age because the response can vary. This medication is not for children below 2 years of age.
Loperamide Uses
Loperamide Uses
Over-the-counter loperamide can be used to treat acute (short-term) diarrhea caused by infections such as travelers’ diarrhea. Prescription loperamide is used to treat chronic (ongoing) diarrhea associated with Crohn’s disease, a chronic inflammatory bowel condition. In addition, prescription loperamide is given to people with an ileostomy (an opening in the abdominal wall to remove waste from the digestive tract) to reduce the amount of fluid in the ileostomy.
There may be other uses of loperamide—your pharmacist or doctor can give you further drug information.
Loperamide Mechanism of Action
Loperamide hydrochloride decreases the flow of fluids and waste in the gastrointestinal tract. It also slows down movements in the gut and decreases the number of bowel movements.
Loperamide Doses
Loperamide comes in the form of a 2-mg tablet and chewable tablet, a 2-mg capsule, and a 1 mg/7.5 mL liquid solution. It is taken in doses ranging from 2-4 tablets/capsules and 30-60 mL in 24 hours.
The recommended dose of loperamide in adults and children over 12 years of age is 4 mg (2 tablets/capsules or 30 mL liquid medicine) after the first episode of acute diarrhea and 2 mg (1 tablet/capsule or 15 mL solution) after another episode of diarrhea. The maximum dose is 8 mg (4 tablets/capsules or 60 mL) in a 24-hour period.
The recommended dose of loperamide in children 9-11 years of age (weighing 60-95 lbs) is 2 mg (1 tablet/capsule or 15 mL solution) after the first episode of diarrhea and 1 mg (1/2 tablet/capsule or 7.5 mL solution) after another episode of loose stool. The maximum dose is 6 mg (3 tablets/capsules or 45 mL) in a 24-hour period.
The recommended dose of loperamide in children 6-8 years of age (weighing 48-59 lbs) is 2 mg (1 tablet/capsule or 15 mL liquid) after the first episode of loose stool and 1 mg (1/2 tablet/capsule or 7.5 mL liquid) after a subsequent episode of loose stool, with no more than 4 mg (2 tablets/capsules or 30 mL) in a 24-hour period.
Do not give loperamide to a child younger than 6 years of age without checking with the child’s doctor first. This medication is not for children under 2 years of age.
Loperamide Directions
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.
Get your FREE BuzzRx card and
start saving today!
Loperamide Side Effects
Loperamide Side Effects
Possible side effects of loperamide are listed below. Call your doctor for medical advice if these side effects are severe or persistent.
- Tiredness
- Constipation
- Lightheadedness
- Drowsiness
Occasionally, loperamide can cause more serious side effects. Call your healthcare professional right away or seek emergency medicine attention if you develop:
- Skin rash, hives, itching, blistering, or peeling skin
- Swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue, or throat
- Wheezing
- Trouble breathing or swallowing
- Stomach pain
- Fever
- Blood in stools
- Irregular, fast, or pounding heartbeat
- Severe dizziness or fainting
The above list may not include all the potential side effects of loperamide. Contact your healthcare provider if your side effects are unusual or severe or if they do not get better over time. You can also report unusual side effects to the Food and Drug Administration at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Loperamide Overdose: In case of an overdose of loperamide, call your doctor immediately. You can also call the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222. Call 911 if a person has collapsed, stopped breathing, stopped responding, or had a seizure. Signs and symptoms of an overdose of loperamide may include nausea, difficulty urinating, irregular, fast or pounding heartbeat, confusion, fainting, unresponsiveness, small pupils, shortness of breath, or slowed breathing.
Source: FDA
Loperamide Warnings
Loperamide Risks, Warnings, and Complications
Loperamide can cause or worsen health problems in certain people. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other treatment options for diarrhea if you are at increased risk of adverse reactions from this drug. Some of the risks of taking loperamide include:
|
Precautions Before Starting Loperamide
Tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to loperamide, any of the active or inactive ingredients in loperamide formulations, other antidiarrheal drugs, or any other medications. Your pharmacy can give you a list of ingredients.
Give your doctor and pharmacist a complete list of your medications, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, supplements, and herbal products. This can help avoid interactions between your medications and prevent cardiac arrhythmias and other serious complications.
Give your doctor a complete medical history. Loperamide may not be safe for people with certain medical conditions such as cardiac dysrhythmia, colitis, ulcerative colitis, liver disease, Addison’s disease, or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Also, tell your doctor if you have blood or mucus in stool, stomach pain without loose stools, fever, or black tarry stools.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, might be pregnant, planning a pregnancy soon, or breastfeeding.
Precautions During Use of Loperamide
Call your doctor if your diarrhea does not improve after 2 days or gets worse after taking over-the-counter loperamide.
Drink plenty of water and stay well hydrated.
Loperamide can make you dizzy and drowsy. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how you feel on this medicine.
Tell all your healthcare providers you are on loperamide, including before dental treatments.
Call your doctor if you become pregnant while taking loperamide.
Loperamide Drug Interactions
Interactions between loperamide and many drugs can affect how the medicines work. Drug-drug interactions can also increase the risk of serious adverse events. Your doctor may change your dose, switch you to a different medication, and/or monitor you closely for adverse effects if there are known interactions between loperamide and your other medicines.
You should not take loperamide if you are on the following drugs:
- Medications used to treat abnormal heart rhythms, such as amiodarone (Nexterone, Pacerone), procainamide, sotalol (Betapace, Betapace AF), quinidine (in Nuedexta)
- Antipsychotic drugs such as chlorpromazine, thioridazine, haloperidol (Haldol), and ziprasidone (Geodon)
- Opioid drugs such as methadone (Methadose, Dolophine)
- Antibiotics such as moxifloxacin (Avelox)
- Anti-infective agents such as pentamidine (Nebupent, Pentam)
The following medications can also interact with loperamide:
- Antibiotics such as erythromycin (Eryc, E.E.S., Ery-Tab) and clarithromycin (Biaxin, in PrevPac)
- Antifungal agents such as itraconazole (Onmel, Sporanox) and ketoconazole
- Antimalarials such as quinine (Qualaquin)
- H2 blockers such as cimetidine (Tagamet) and ranitidine (Zantac)
- Cholesterol-lowering drugs such as gemfibrozil (Lopid)
- HIV medications such as ritonavir (Norvir, in Kaletra) and saquinavir (Invirase)
The above list does not include all the possible interactions of loperamide. Give your healthcare professional a complete list of your medications, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, dietary supplements, and herbal remedies. Also, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use recreational drugs because some of these substances can cause serious health complications when used with over-the-counter and prescription medications.
Loperamide Pros & Cons
Loperamide Pros and Cons
- Loperamide is available over the counter.
- It comes in both pill and liquid forms.
- Some formulations can be given to children as young as 6 years and older.
- Loperamide only treats the symptoms of diarrhea and not the underlying cause.
- This medicine should not be given to a child younger than 2 years of age.
- High doses of loperamide can cause life-threatening complications such as ventricular dysrhythmias.
Loperamide Pharmacist Tips
Loperamide Tips from Pharmacists
Check with your healthcare provider before taking loperamide if you have heart problems or take medications to control your heart rhythm.
If loperamide does not control diarrhea after 48 hours or your symptoms get worse, stop taking the medicine and call your doctor.
Do not take loperamide if you have fever or blood/mucus in your stools. Call your doctor for appropriate treatment of your diarrheal illness.
Read the package instructions carefully. Do not take more than the recommended dose of loperamide. Do not give loperamide meant for adults to a child.
Measure liquid medicine with a dose-measuring device such as a cup, spoon, or syringe. Do not use a regular kitchen spoon.
Loperamide can cause lightheadedness and drowsiness. Do not drive or do other hazardous activities until you know how it affects you.
Loperamide Rx Savings Tips
Loperamide Rx Savings Tips
Loperamide is a generic medication and is available at significantly lower prices than the brand names. Brand names Imodium and others and generic loperamide contain the same medicine and are equally effective and safe. Like with most medications, the generic version offers better value. A BuzzRx loperamide coupon can result in big savings on the generic and brand name forms of the drug. With a BuzzRx discount card, savings card, or discount coupons, the medication could cost you a fraction of retail prices. Loperamide may be under $13.50 for 30 capsules of the 2 mg dose at Walmart, Walgreens, Rite Aid, CVS Pharmacy, and other participating pharmacies with a BuzzRx discount card or free coupon. For the biggest discounts on loperamide, give the checkout clerk your BuzzRx loperamide discount coupon when you purchase the medication or drop off your prescriptions at the pharmacy counter.
Lowest Price for Loperamide | |
Brand $19.64 | Generic $13.15 |
VIEW DISCOUNTS Pricing based on most commonly-filled versions. Select the strength and quantity of your medication for the most accurate pricing. |
Loperamide Common Questions
Common Questions about Loperamide
How quickly does loperamide work?Loperamide usually works within an hour of taking a dose. |
How many times can I take loperamide?Adults can take 2 tablets (4 mg) after the first loose bowel movement and 1 tablet (2 mg) after each subsequent bout of diarrhea. Do not take more than 4 tablets (8 mg) in 24 hours. |
What’s the difference between Imodium A-D and Imodium Multi-Symptom Relief?Both Imodium A-D and Multi-Symptom Relief contain loperamide as the active ingredient, but Multi-Symptom Relief has an additional ingredient, simethicone, for gas relief. |
Can you take loperamide while pregnant?We don’t know for sure if loperamide is safe during pregnancy because there aren’t enough well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Talk to your doctor before taking loperamide if you are pregnant. |
Can I give loperamide to my kid?Some formulations of loperamide are approved for use in children 6 years of age and older. Make sure you read the dosage instructions and give your child the appropriate dose for their age and body weight. Check with your child’s doctor before giving loperamide to children 2-5 years of age. Do not give loperamide to children under 2 years of age. |
What is the price of loperamide without insurance?Without insurance, loperamide can be as high as $55.20, but with a free BuzzRx prescription discount coupon, you could pay as low as $13.15 for the most common version of this medication. Use the BuzzRx drug price look-up tool to find the lowest discounted price, and be sure to enter the correct dosage, form, and quantity for the most accurate pricing. While generics tend to have the best savings, you can also use your BuzzRx card and coupons to purchase brand-name versions. It never hurts to ask your pharmacist to try BuzzRx when filling or refilling any of your prescription drugs—whether you have insurance or not. |
What is the price of loperamide with insurance?Ask your pharmacist or insurance provider for your copay price on loperamide—Copay amounts vary depending on the type of insurance plan you have and if there is a deductible to reach before prescription drug coverage begins. You could save up to 80% on your prescription medication with a free BuzzRx discount coupon for loperamide. When using the BuzzRx lookup tool to find the price of your medicine, be sure to enter the correct dosage, form, and quantity to receive the most accurate discounted pricing. It never hurts to ask your pharmacist to try BuzzRx when filling or refilling any of your prescriptions—whether you have insurance or not. |
SOCIAL