What is Loperamide?
Loperamide can be used to reduce the amount of poop (stool) produced by people with an ileostomy. (An ileostomy is when your surgeon has rerouted your bowel through a tiny opening in your chest.)Loperamide slows the contractions of the intestines by acting on the opioid receptors. It allows for more fluids and nutrients in the body to be absorbed, resulting in a less watery stool and fewer trips to the toilet.Loperamide has been FDA-approved since 1976. It is available both on prescription and without a prescription.
Warnings
Do not take loperamide when you have ulcerative colitis, bloody or tarry stool, diarrhoea with a high fever, or diarrhoea due to antibiotic medications.When used according to the instructions, loperamide is completely safe. Too much loperamide may cause heart disease or even death.You may experience serious heart problems if you combine loperamide and other medications. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist for advice on how to safely combine medications.Do not give loperamide if the child is younger than 2 years.
Before you take this drug
If you are allergic to loperamide or have any of the following:
- Stomach pain without diarrhoea
- A high fever and diarrhoea
- Colitis ulcerative
- A bacterial infection can cause diarrhoea.
- Stools that are black, bloody, or tarry
Consult your doctor before taking loperamide for diarrhea that is caused by an antibiotic (Clostridium difficilis).Do not give loperamide without the doctor's approval to children or teens older than 2 years.
If you suffer from:
- A fever
- Mucus in the stools
- Liver disease
- A heart rhythm disorder.
Consult your doctor before taking this medication if you're pregnant.
If you use loperamide, it is not recommended that you breastfeed.
Similar/related drugs
Ciprofloxacin, Bactrim, Sulfamethoxazole/Trimethoprim, Sulfasalazine, Imodium, Neomycin, and Lomotil
How to take loperamide medication?
Follow the instructions on the label or those prescribed by your doctor when using loperamide.When used according to the instructions, loperamide is completely safe. Too much loperamide may cause heart disease or even death.Adults should take 4 mg of loperamide orally for acute diarrhoea and 2 mg after each loose stool. Do not exceed 16mg (8 caps) per day.In most cases, clinical improvement can be seen in 48 hours.The dosage of loperamide that is prescribed to a child depends on his or her age and weight. Follow the instructions on the label whenever you give loperamide to a child. The safe dose for loperamide for adults is different from the dose for children.Take loperamide along with a glass of water. Diarrhoea may cause you to lose electrolytes and fluids. Drink plenty of water in order to prevent becoming dehydrated.Before swallowing the loperamide tablet, it must be chewed.Before measuring a dose, shake the orally suspended liquid. Use the provided dosing device or a dose-measuring tool (not a spoon).All liquid forms of loperamide do not have the same strength. Follow all instructions on the medication you're using.Store away from moisture or heat at room temperature. Don't allow liquid medicines to freeze.If you continue to have diarrhoea or stomach bloating after two days, stop taking loperamide. Call your doctor.
What happens if I miss the dose?
The majority of people take loperamide "as required" and don't have a regular schedule. You don't have to take any action if you miss a dosage.You may be on a schedule if you're taking loperamide for an ileostomy to reduce the frequency of your bowel movements. If you forget to take a dose, do it as soon as possible. However, if the next dose is approaching, skip the missed dose. Do not take more than one dose at a time.
What happens if I overdose?
Call the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222 or seek emergency medical care. A loperamide overdose can be fatal.Fast or irregular heartbeats or fainting are all possible overdose symptoms. If you are unable to wake yourself up after you have passed out, someone caring for you needs to seek immediate medical attention.Do not exceed the recommended dosage of loperamide. The maximum dose of loperamide for adults and children older than 13 is 16mg (8 capsules) every 24 hours.
What should be avoided?
Do not drink tonic water. Tonic water can interact with loperamide, causing serious heart problems.Drink plenty of water to avoid becoming dehydrated. If you are dehydrated, avoid vigorous exercise and hot weather.Do not drive or engage in any hazardous activities until you have determined how loperamide affects you. You may be unable to react properly.
Side effects of Loperamide
If you experience symptoms of an allergic response (hives or difficulty breathing, swelling on your face or in your throat), or a severe reaction to the skin (fever or sore neck, or burning in your eye, or skin pain or blistering, or a red or purple rash that is spreading and blistering, or skin that has a rash or skin rash), seek emergency medical attention.If you experience any of the following symptoms, stop taking loperamide immediately and contact your doctor.
- Diarrhoea that is bloody or watery
- Stomach pain or bloating
- Diarrhoea that is persistent or getting worse
- You may experience a pounding or fast heartbeat, chest flutter, sudden dizziness, and shortness of breath.
Some of the common side effects associated with loperamide include:
- Constipation;
- Dizziness, drowsiness;
- Nausea;
- Stomach cramps.
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Interaction with other drug
Using certain medications together can be dangerous. Some drugs may affect the blood levels of the drugs that you are taking. You can ask your doctor or pharmacist how to safely use medications together.Loperamide may cause serious heart problems. You may have a higher risk if you are also taking certain other medications for heart problems, infections, depression, mental illnesses, cancer, malaria, or HIV.Loperamide can be affected by many drugs. These include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. The list is not exhaustive. Tell your doctor about all the medications that you currently take and any new ones you plan to start or stop using.
