Loperamide

Last Reviewed: Nov 14, 2024

Drug Details


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.