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Loperamide

Drug Class: Commonly Known As: Category:
Antimotility Imodium

Loperamide - What is it for

​Loperamide is used to treat diarrhoea. It works by slowing down the movement of stools in your bowels.

Loperamide - Side Effects, Precautions, and Contraindications

What side effects can Loperamide cause?

​Common side effects of loperamide include dizziness, passing gas, headache and nausea.

Rare but serious side effects include fever, irregular heartbeat, fainting, blood in your stool or if your symptoms do not go away even after taking the medication.

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:

  • Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
  • Difficulty in breathing
  • Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.

Before taking Loperamide, what precautions must I follow?

​Inform your healthcare professional if:

  • You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication
  • You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding
  • You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies
  • You have any heart conditions, including those associated with irregular heart rhythm or liver disease.

Ensure you continue to take sufficient fluid and electrolytes while experiencing diarrhoea to prevent dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.

What food or medicine must I avoid when I take Loperamide?

​Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking or intend to take any other medication, supplements, traditional medications or herbal remedies.

Loperamide - Dosage and How to Use

How should Loperamide be used?

​You may take this medication with or without food.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

​Most of the time, this medicine is taken on an as needed basis. Do not exceed the recommended dose given by your healthcare professional. 

What should I do if I overdose?

Loperamide - Handling and Storage

How should I handle Loperamide safely?

How should I store Loperamide?

Keep away from children;#Keep in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight;#

How should I dispose of Loperamide safely?

​Pack this medication into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing into the rubbish chute or bin.

Loperamide - Additional Information

  • Updated on Monday, September 30, 2019
  • This article is contributed by PSS National Medication Information Workgroup PSS National Medication Information Workgroup

    The information provided is not intended as medical advice. Terms of use. Information provided by SingHealth

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