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.