Loperamide
Also sold as: Imodium
No prescription neededDiarrhoea and rehydration
Comes as:CapsuleTablet
Usual adult dose
Usual adult dose: 4 mg first, then 2 mg after each loose stool. Do not take more than 12 mg in 24 hours unless a doctor advises, and stop after 48 hours if not better. Not for children under 12 years. Keep drinking ORS.
Your doctor may give you a different dose. Children's doses depend on weight.
Side effects
Common
- constipation
- stomach cramps
- bloating
- nausea
- dizziness
Serious — get help
Stop taking it and see a doctor straight away if you notice:
- swollen
- painful stomach (bowel paralysis)
- fainting or irregular heartbeat with high doses
- severe allergic reaction
Do not take it, or take care, if
- Blood or mucus in stool, or high fever (dysentery)
- Children under 12 years
- Diarrhoea after antibiotics (possible serious bowel infection)
- Flare of ulcerative colitis, or bowel blockage
Interactions
Medicines that can react with this one.
Moderate2 medicinesTake together only with care. Ask your doctor or pharmacist.
- Clarithromycin
Clarithromycin can raise loperamide levels.
- Itraconazole
Itraconazole raises loperamide levels and may increase side effects, including heart rhythm problems.