LOPERAMIDE
Brand names Arret, Diasorb, Diocalm Ultra, Imodium
Used in the following combined preparations None
GENERAL INFORMATION
Loperamide is an antidiarrhoeal drug available in either capsule or liquid form.
It reduces the loss of water and salts from the bowel and slows bowel activity, resulting in the passage of firmer bowel movements at less frequent intervals.
A fast-acting drug, loperamide is widely prescribed for both sudden and recurrent bouts of diarrhoea.
However, It is not generally recommended for diarrhoea caused by infection because it may delay the expulsion of harmful substances from the bowel. Loperamide is often prescribed for people who have had a colostomy or an ileostomy, to reduce fluid loss from the stoma (outlet).
Adverse effects from this drug are rare, and there is no risk of abuse, as there may be with the opium-based antidiarrhoeals. It can be purchased over-the-counter in a pharmacy.
INFORMATION FOR USERS
Follow instructions on the label. Call your doctor if symptoms worsen.
How taken
Capsules, liquid.
Frequency and timing of doses
Acute diarrhoea Take a double dose at start of treatment, then a single dose after each loose faeces, up to the maximum daily dose. Chronic diarrhoea 2 x daily.
Adult dosage range
Acute diarrhoea 4mg (starting dose), then 2mg after each loose faeces (maximum 16mg daily). Use for up to 5 days only, then consult your doctor.
Chronic diarrhoea 4-8mg daily.
Onset of effect
Within 1-2 hours.
Duration of action
6-18 hours.
Diet advice
Ensure adequate fluid, sugar, and salt intake during a diarrhoeal illness.
Storage
Keep in a closed container in a cool, dry place out of the reach of children.
Missed dose
Do not take the missed dose. Take your next dose if needed.
Stopping the drug
Can be safely stopped as soon as you no longer need it.
Exceeding the dose
An occasional unintentional extra dose is unlikely to be a cause for concern. Large overdoses may cause constipation, vomiting, or drowsiness, and affect breathing. Notify your doctor.
POSSIBLE ADVERSE EFFECTS
Adverse effects are rare with loperamide and often difficult to distinguish from the effects of the diarrhoea it is used to treat. If symptoms
such as bloating, abdominal pain, or fever persist or worsen during treatment with loperamide, consult your doctor.
INTERACTIONS
None.
QUICK REFERENCE
Drug group Antidiarrhoeal drug.
Overdose danger rating Medium
Dependence rating Low
Prescription needed No
Available as generic Yes
SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS
Be sure to consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking this drug if:
You have long-term liver or kidney problems.
You have had recent abdominal surgery. You are taking other medications.
Pregnancy
Safety in pregnancy not established. Discuss with your doctor.
Breast-feeding
The drug passes into the breast milk and may affect the baby. Discuss with your doctor.
Infants and children
Not to be given to infants and children under 4 years. Reduced dose necessary in older children.
Over 60
No special problems.
Driving and hazardous work
No known problems.
Alcohol
No known problems.
PROLONGED USE
Although this drug is not usually taken for prolonged periods (except by persons with a medically diagnosed long-term gastrointestinal condition), special problems are not expected during long-term use.
