Loperamide (Oral)

Brand Names : PMS-Loperamide, Rho-Loperamide, Imodium, Imodium A-D, Imodium A-D Caplets, Kaopectate II, Maalox Anti-Diarrheal, Pepto Diarrhea Control, Apo-Loperamide, Diarr-Eze, Loperacap, Nu-Loperamide

Proper Use of This Medicine

Do not use loperamide to treat your diarrhea if you have a fever or if there is blood or mucus in your stools . Contact your doctor.

For safe and effective use of this medicine:

• Follow your doctor's instructions if this medicine was prescribed .
• Follow the manufacturer's package directions if you are treating yourself.

Use a specially marked measuring spoon or other device to measure each dose accurately. The average household teaspoon may not hold the right amount of liquid.

Importance of diet and fluid intake while treating diarrhea :

• In addition to using medicine for diarrhea, it is very important that you replace the fluid lost by the body and follow a proper diet . For the first 24 hours, you should eat gelatin, and drink plenty of caffeine-free clear liquids, such as ginger ale, decaffeinated cola, decaffeinated tea, and broth. During the next 24 hours you may eat bland foods, such as cooked cereals, bread, crackers, and applesauce. Fruits, vegetables, fried or spicy foods, bran, candy, caffeine, and alcoholic beverages may make the condition worse.
• If too much fluid has been lost by the body due to the diarrhea, a serious condition (dehydration) may develop. Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following signs or symptoms of too much fluid loss occur:
  • Decreased urination
  • Dizziness and lightheadedness
  • Dryness of mouth
  • Increased thirst
  • Wrinkled skin

Dosing - The dose of loperamide will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label . The following information includes only the average doses of loperamide. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

• For diarrhea:
  • For oral dosage form (capsules):
    • Adults and teenagers - The usual dose is 4 milligrams (mg) (2 capsules) after the first loose bowel movement, and 2 mg (1 capsule) after each loose bowel movement after the first dose has been taken. No more than 16 mg (8 capsules) should be taken in any twenty-four-hour period.
    • Children 8 to 12 years of age - The usual dose is 2 mg (1 capsule) three times a day.
    • Children 6 to 8 years of age - The usual dose is 2 mg (1 capsule) two times a day.
    • Children up to 6 years of age - Use is not recommended unless directed by your doctor.
  • For oral dosage form (oral solution):
    • Adults and teenagers - The usual dose is 4 teaspoonfuls (4 mg) after the first loose bowel movement, and 2 teaspoonfuls (2 mg) after each loose bowel movement after the first dose has been taken. No more than 8 teaspoonfuls (8 mg) should be taken in any twenty-four-hour period.
    • Children 9 to 11 years of age - The usual dose is 2 teaspoonfuls (2 mg) after the first loose bowel movement, and 1 teaspoonful (1 mg) after each loose bowel movement after the first dose has been taken. No more than 6 teaspoonfuls (6 mg) should be taken in any twenty-four-hour period.
    • Children 6 to 8 years of age - The usual dose is 2 teaspoonfuls (2 mg) after the first loose bowel movement, and 1 teaspoonful (1 mg) after each loose bowel movement after the first dose has been taken. No more than 4 teaspoonfuls (4 mg) should be taken in any twenty-four-hour period.
    • Children up to 6 years of age - Use is not recommended unless directed by your doctor.
  • For oral dosage form (tablets):
    • Adults and teenagers - The usual dose is 4 mg (2 tablets) after the first loose bowel movement, and 2 mg (1 tablet) after each loose bowel movement after the first dose has been taken. No more than 8 mg (4 tablets) should be taken in any twenty-four-hour period.
    • Children 9 to 11 years of age - The usual dose is 2 mg (1 tablet) after the first loose bowel movement, and 1 mg (1/2 tablet) after each loose bowel movement after the first dose has been taken. No more than 6 mg (3 tablets) should be taken in any twenty-four-hour period.
    • Children 6 to 8 years of age - The usual dose is 2 mg (1 tablet) after the first loose bowel movement, and 1 mg (1/2 tablet) after each loose bowel movement after the first dose has been taken. No more than 4 mg (2 tablets) should be taken in any twenty-four-hour period.
    • Children up to 6 years of age - Use is not recommended unless directed by your doctor.

Missed dose - If you must take this medicine regularly and you miss a dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage - To store this medicine:

• Keep out of the reach of children
• Store away from heat and direct light.
• Do not store the capsule or tablet form of this medicine in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down.
• Keep the liquid form of this medicine from freezing.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.