Drug Reference

Loperamide

Antipropulsives

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OTCPediatric caution

Fact box

Therapeutic class
Antipropulsives
Action class
Opioid Agonist
Mechanism
Opioid Agonists
Habit forming
No
Availability
Over-the-counter (OTC)

Brand names

DiamodeImodiumImodium AdvancedImodium Multi-Symptom Relief

Available as

0.133 MG/ML · Oral Suspension2 MG/ML · Oral Solution0.2 MG/ML · Oral Solution2 MG · Chewable Tablet2 MG · Oral Tablet2 MG · Oral Capsule

FDA label sections are from openFDA and may not reflect the most recent labeling — confirm against the current DailyMed label.

Uses
Use controls symptoms of diarrhea, including Travelers’ Diarrhea
How to use / dosing
Directions • drink plenty of clear fluids to help prevent dehydration caused by diarrhea • find right dose on chart. If possible, use weight to dose; otherwise use age. • shake well before using • use only enclosed dosing cup specifically designed for use with this product. Do not use any other dosing device. • mL = milliliter adults and children 12 years and over 30 mL after the first loose stool; 15 mL after each subsequent loose stool; but no more than 60 mL in 24 hours children 9-11 years (60-95 lbs) 15 mL after the first loose stool; 7.5 mL after each subsequent loose stool; but no more than 45 mL in 24 hours children 6-8 years (48-59 lbs) 15 mL after the first loose stool; 7.5 mL after each subsequent loose stool; but no more than 30 mL in 24 hours children 2-5 years (34 to 47 lbs) ask a doctor children under 2 years (up to 33 lbs) do not use

Safety advice

Conservative summary derived from FDA labeling — defaults to “consult your doctor” unless the label is explicit. Not a substitute for your clinician’s advice.

PregnancyConsult your doctor
…If pregnant or breast-feeding, ask a health professional before use.…
BreastfeedingConsult your doctor
…If pregnant or breast-feeding, ask a health professional before use.…
AlcoholNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
DrivingConsult your doctor
…Be careful when driving or operating machinery.…
KidneyNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
LiverConsult your doctor
…a history of liver disease •…
Warnings & precautions
Warnings Allergy alert: Do not use if you have ever had a rash or other allergic reaction to loperamide HCl Heart alert: Taking more than directed can cause serious heart problems or death Do not use if you have bloody or black stool Ask a doctor before use if you have • fever • mucus in the stool • a history of liver disease • a history of abnormal heart rhythm Ask a doctor or pharmacist before use if you are taking a prescription drug. Loperamide may interact with certain prescription drugs. When using this product tiredness, drowsiness or dizziness may occur. Be careful when driving or operating machinery. Stop use and ask a doctor if • symptoms get worse • diarrhea lasts for more than 2 days • you get abdominal swelling or bulging. These may be signs of a serious condition. If pregnant or breast-feeding, ask a health professional before use. Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away. (1-800-222-1222)

Pediatric use

Pediatric caution

Not recommended in children <2 years; use with caution in older children due to risk of ileus and CNS effects.

Source: Loperamide labeling; AAP guidance.

⚑ About half of pediatric medication use is off-label and not described in FDA labels — absence of pediatric information does not mean a medicine is unused or unsafe in children. Confirm with your clinician.

Current FDA labels (DailyMed)

13 marketed products on record (RxNorm)

Reference only — not clinical advice. Verify against current FDA labeling and consult a licensed provider. About half of pediatric drug use is off-label and is not reflected in FDA labels; absence of pediatric information does not mean a medicine is unused or unsafe in children.