Loperamide Dosage, Side Effects, Warnings & Interactions
Loperamide is a prescription medication used to treat severe diarrhea. It can also be used to help decrease the amount of drainage in patients with ostomies. Loperamide is usually sold as the brand name drug Imodium. In this 3-minute article we discuss the uses, side effects, dosage, warnings, and interactions of loperamide.
What is Loperamide?
Loperamide is a prescription medication sold as the brand name drug Imodium. It is used to treat severe diarrhea and decrease drainage in patients with ileostomies.
Loperamide Warnings
Improper use of loperamide may cause serious harm, such as fast/irregular heartbeat or death. Do not increase your dose, take it more often, or take it for longer than directed without first consulting a medical professional.
Loperamide should not be used by children younger than 2 years due to an increased risk of side effects such as shallow breathing and fast/irregular heartbeat.
Loperamide Tablet Brand Names
Loperamide is usually sold under the brand name Imodium. There are also many generic brands of loperamide available as well.
Loperamide 2mg Capsules
Loperamide comes as an oral capsules at doses of 2mg and 4mg, although 2mg is the most common. If you have any further questions about the dosage of loperamide, talk to your doctor.
What is Loperamide Used For?
Loperamide can be used to treat severe diarrhea. It can help treat both short term diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome. Loperamide can also be useful in mitigating symptoms of bowel conditions such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and short bowel syndrome.
How To Take Loperamide
Take loperamide by mouth, usually after each time you have a loose stool or symptom of diarrhea. Be sure to always take loperamide as directed by your doctor or other medical professional. Adults should not take more than 8mg of loperamide within a 24 hour window.
If you are using the rapidly dissolving tablets of loperamide, dry your hands before opening the pack to carefully remove the tablet. Do not push the tablet through the pack before taking it.
When taking the loperamide tablet, be sure to let it dissolve completely; do not swallow the tablet whole. Do not crush, split, or break the tablet before taking it. Do not remove the tablet from the blister pack until just before taking. No water is needed to take this medication.
Loperamide Dosage
Loperamide is available as an oral tablet under the brand name Imodium and as an oral solution. The recommended dosage for loperamide can vary based on a variety of factors including:
- Your age
- Your weight
- Your condition
- Your response to your first dose
Loperamide Dosage for Acute Diarrhea
Initial dose: At first, 4 milligrams (mg) (2 capsules) after the first loose bowel movement, then 2 mg (1 capsule) after each loose bowel movement after the first dose has been taken.
Maintenance dose: 2mg taken orally once a day.
Loperamide Dosage for Chronic Diarrhea
Initial dose: At first, 4 milligrams (mg) (2 capsules) after the first loose bowel movement, then 2 mg (1 capsule) after each loose bowel movement after the first dose has been taken.
Maintenance dose: 2mg taken orally once a day.
Loperamide Side Effects
Loperamide does have some associated side effects, some of which are more serious than others.
Common Side Effects
Common side effects of loperamide include:
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Stomach cramps
If these side effects are mild, they may disappear within a few days. If you have stopped taking your medication and the effects are still present, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Potential Serious Side Effects
Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following serious side effects.
- Severe constipation
- Abdominal pain
- Irregular heartbeat
- Fainting
- Severe dizziness
Disclaimer: Here at Manifest Pharmacy, our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current information. However, because drugs affect each person differently, we cannot guarantee that this information includes all possible side effects. This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Always discuss possible side effects with a healthcare professional who knows your medical history.
Loperamide Interactions
Contact your doctor right away if you are taking any products or medications that are known to cause constipation. Products that have been known to cause interactions with loperamide include:
- Pramlintide
- Anticholinergics
- Antispasmodics
- Potent opioid pain medications
- Tricyclic antidepressants
Loperamide Brand Names, Dosage, Side Effects, Warnings, and Interactions Summary
Loperamide is a prescription medication sold as a brand name drug and generic drug. Loperamide is available as the brand name drug Imodium.
Loperamide is used to treat severe diarrhea and decrease drainage in patients with ostomies. It can also be useful in mitigating symptoms of bowel conditions such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and short bowel syndrome.
