Loperamide helps to treat diarrhoea.
It slows down the movement of the gut contents and makes the stools firmer and less watery. It also helps to reduce the number of times you need to run to the toilet.
Loperamide may also be used to treat diarrhoea associated with inflammatory bowel disease (inflammation of the digestive tract).
This medicine may also be used to treat other conditions as decided by your doctor.
Take Loperamide exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
You may take this medicine with or without food.
Loperamide is available as a capsule, oral solution or suspension, conventional tablet, and an orally disintegrating (orodispersible) tablet.
If you are taking the capsule or conventional tablet, swallow it whole with a glass of water.
If you are taking an oral solution or suspension, shake the bottle well before you take it to ensure that the liquid is evenly mixed. Use the measuring spoon or cup provided to measure out your dose.
If you are taking the orally disintegrating (orodispersible) tablet:
- Remove it from the foil only just before you take it. Do not leave the orodispersible tablet exposed to air. Do not push the orodispersible tablet through the foil as it is fragile and easily broken.
- Remove the orodispersible tablet with dry hands by peeling the backing off the foil and tipping the tablet onto your dry hands.
- Place the orodispersible tablet directly on your tongue as soon as it is taken out of the foil. The orodispersible tablet will immediately start to melt on the tongue. It can then be swallowed with or without water.
Do not cut, break or crush the orodispersible tablet.
You may stop taking Loperamide once you feel better or if you have no more diarrhoea unless instructed otherwise by the doctor.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- acute dysentery (inflammation and infection of the intestines that causes severe diarrhoea, blood or mucus in stools, and high fever)
- acute ulcerative colitis (inflammation of the large intestines)
- colitis (inflammation of the lining of the colon [large intestine]) caused by certain bacteria or after taking antibiotics
- bowel disorders e.g. constipation, swollen stomach, stomach pain without diarrhoea, ileus (a condition where the bowel does not work properly)
as Loperamide may not be suitable for you.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- liver disease
- acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)
- history of drug abuse
- heart rhythm problems
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving this medicine to a child. Children may be more sensitive to the side effects.
Your body loses large amounts of fluids and salts when you have diarrhoea. Ensure to replace the fluids and salts lost by drinking plenty of water and oral rehydration solution.
If your symptoms do not improve within 2 days of taking Loperamide, stop taking this medicine and consult your doctor.
Loperamide may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or tiredness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Other side effects include any of the following: headache, nausea, stomach discomfort, constipation, indigestion, vomiting, and dry mouth.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- signs and symptoms of serious gastrointestinal problems e.g. constipation with severe stomach pain, swollen stomach, passing bloody stools
- signs and symptoms of pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) e.g. upper abdominal pain, tenderness when touching the abdomen, abdominal pain that may radiate to your back, fever, rapid pulse, nausea, vomiting
- irregular or abnormal heartbeat, chest pain, loss of consciousness
- rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes or mouth
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicines for fungal infection e.g. itraconazole, ketoconazole
- medicines for irregular heartbeat e.g. amiodarone, procainamide, quinidine
- medicines for mood disorders e.g. haloperidol, thioridazine
- moxifloxacin (certain antibiotic)
- gemfibrozil (cholesterol-lowering medicine)
- ritonavir (medicine for HIV infection)
- desmopressin (medicine used to control night-time bedwetting)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Loperamide.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
Sign Out
