Other names:  Imodium®,  Apo-loperamide®,  Novo-loperamide®

WHY is this medication prescribed?

Loperamide is an antimotility agent used to treat sudden short-term diarrhea or chronic diarrhea.  Diarrhea can be defined as a more frequent passage of loose stools.  This symptom can be caused by an infection (bacteria, parasite, fungus, virus) or an intestinal disease (ulcerative colitis, crohn's disease, malabsorption).  Also, the use of certain medications (for example, protease inhibitors) and herbal products can cause diarrhea.  Loperamide acts by slowing intestinal motility and by increasing the absorption of water across the intestinal tract.  This provides a decrease in stool frequency and an increase in the consistency of the stools.  Also, certain symptoms associated with diarrhea such as abdominal pain, bloating and flatulence are improved.

HOW should this drug be taken?

Loperamide can be prescribed by a physician or recommended by a nurse or pharmacist in two fashions.  It can be used on occasion if there is diarrhea or it can be used regularly to treat more persistent diarrhea.

The dosage that is recommended for you is:

1) Take _____ tablets  (__ mg) after the first episode of loose stools, followed by _____ tablet (__mg) after each unformed stool.

2) Take _____ tablet (__mg) ______ times daily.

You should never take more than 8 tablets (16 mg) over a 24-hour period.

Under the advice of a physician, loperamide can be used in children aged between 2 and 12.  The physician will determine what is the proper dosage for the child based on his or her weight.

What should you do if you FORGET a dose?

If loperamide must be taken regularly and you realize that you have forgotten a dose, take it as soon as possible.  However, if the time for your next dose is approaching, just carry on with your regular schedule.  Do not double the dose.

What ADVERSE EFFECTS can this drug cause?  What should you do about them?

The adverse effects that are possible are usually minor and temporary.  Some people will experience constipation, abdominal discomfort, drowsiness or dizziness, tiredness, dry mouth, nausea and vomiting.  An allergic reaction accompanied by a rash can sometimes occur.  If this happens stop taking the loperamide and call your physician.

IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING ANY ADVERSE EFFECTS,  PLEASE DISCUSS THEM WITH YOUR HEALTH CARE TEAM.

What other PRECAUTIONS should you follow while using this drug?

Loperamide should not be used if you have a fever or if you have blood in your stools.  Consult your physician if you have these symptoms since you might need antibiotics to treat the diarrhea.  Also, you should not take loperamide if you have already had an allergic reaction to this medication or if you have a preexisting intestinal disease.  Consult your physician for directions on how to treat the diarrhea in these circumstances.   If you are pregnant or if you are breastfeeding an infant, loperamide should only be used if prescribed by your physician.

Loperamide should be stopped promptly if constipation or important abdominal pain develops.  You should also stop this medication and consult a doctor if acute diarrhea does not improve within 48 hours.

Diarrhea is often accompanied by dehydration.  It is crucial to always drink appropriate amounts of fluids in order to avoid dehydration.    If you have minor diarrhea (less than 4 stools daily) drinking caffeine-free soft drinks, juices or sport rehydration drinks can be sufficient.  If the diarrhea is more severe, specially formulated rehydration drinks should be taken.

These products can be obtained in pharmacies (for example, Pedialyte® or Gastrolyte®).  These drinks contain sugar as well as other substances that you may lose in high amounts because of the diarrhea (sodium, potassium). Your pharmacist can tell you how much of these drinks you need to take to avoid dehydration.

You should consult a physician if you have one or more symptoms associated with dehydration.  These are dry mouth, excessive thirst, wrinkled skin, little or no urination, dizziness and lightheadedness. 

How should this medication be STORED?

The loperamide tablets should be stored in a cool (15-30°C) dry place.  The place chosen should be protected from light and out of the reach of children.

The tablets should not be kept in the bathroom as heat and moisture can decrease the potency of this medication.

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS ABOUT THIS MEDICATION PLEASE DISCUSS THEM WITH YOUR PHARMACIST OR PHYSICIAN OR NURSE.

WRITE QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS DOWN TO ENSURE THEY ARE ADDRESSED. 

A pharmacist at _________________________ is available to answer questions.

The telephone number is _________________.

Please ask for __________________________.