Are you having problems with stomach ache and diarrhea? If so, you might want to stay tuned to this video. Today I am going to talk to you about a medication called loperamide.
Loperamide is used for relief of diarrhea, for both severe and repeat instances, traveler’s diarrhea, and diarrhea associated with inflammatory bowel disease. This product is approved for use in adults and children. It should be used with caution if you are 65 years or older, as you may be more prone to side effects. You should not take loperamide if there is blood or mucus in your stool, if you have a fever, acute ulcerative colitis, or bacterial enterocolitis. Also, if you are pregnant or have diarrhea for more than two days, we recommend speaking to your doctor or pharmacist before use for further instructions.
Loperamide is sold over the counter by its brand name, called Imodium. It is also available in brand names such as Diamode and Anti-Diarrheal. Loperamide comes in a capsule, tablet, and a liquid formulation. Adults with acute diarrhea take two capsules, or 4mg at first, then repeat doses of one capsule, or 1mg after each watery stool. Adults with acute diarrhea should not exceed more than 16 mg (eight capsules) in 24 hours, and should see results in 48 hours. It is important to not take more than the recommended dosing for this medication, as it can begin to increase risk for cardiovascular side effects.
For children age 2-5 with acute diarrhea, they are recommended to take the liquid formulation; children 6-12 can take either, following the weight-based dosing requirements as provided by the manufacturer. For children, we recommend that you purchase loperamide formulations that are specifically made for children. If your child is under two years of age, it is NOT recommended to take this medication.
Loperamide is generally safe, but it does have a few side effects including constipation, dizziness, tiredness, headache, nausea, vomiting, or dry mouth. If you get severe rash, have trouble breathing, or swelling in the face or arms, you might be having an allergic reaction to loperamide and you should tell your doctor or pharmacist right away.
Loperamide has some reactions with medications, mainly with drugs that break down in the body in the same way. Medications that can cause increased levels in the body are medications like alosetron, diphenhydramine (Benadryl), fenofibric acid, narcotics pain medications, HIV medications, or pramlintide. It is best to visit your pharmacist and let them know you are taking loperamide so they can check any potential drug interactions with your other prescription and over the counter medications.
On another note, it is easy to become dehydrated when you are experiencing diarrhea so it is important to make sure that your diet and fluid intake are maintained when you take loperamide. Eating gelatin, and drinking plenty of caffeine-free liquids in the first 24 hours can help you recover faster. Foods you may want to eat are certainly going to be a bit duller than your regularly scheduled meals, but eating them can be a big help. These foods are going to be the grain foods, like cereal, bran, crackers, or applesauce.
Remember, you should not take loperamide if there is blood or mucus in your stool, and if you have a fever. Also, if you are pregnant, we recommend speaking to your doctor or pharmacist for further instructions. If your diarrhea is prolonged for longer than two days after taking loperamide, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. We are here to help.
