In this Article

• What is loperamide (Imodium)?
• What are the possible side effects of loperamide?
• What is the most important information I should know about loperamide?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking loperamide?
• How should I take loperamide?
• What happens if I miss a dose?
• What happens if I overdose?
• What should I avoid while taking loperamide?
• What other drugs will affect loperamide?
• Where can I get more information?

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking loperamide?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to loperamide, or if you have:

• stools that are bloody, black, or tarry; or
• if you have diarrhea that is caused by taking an antibiotic.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to take this medicine if you have:

• a fever;
• mucus in your stools;
• a history of liver disease; or
• if you are taking an antibiotic.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether loperamide will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.

Loperamide can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are using loperamide.

Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice.

How should I take loperamide?

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Take loperamide with a full glass of water. Drink extra water while you are taking this medication to keep from getting dehydrated.

Loperamide is usually taken at the first sign of diarrhea, and again if diarrhea comes back. The first dose of loperamide is usually twice as much as the following doses. Do not take this medication more than 3 times in 24 hours without your doctor's advice.

The loperamide chewable tablet must be chewed before swallowing.

Shake the oral suspension (liquid) well just before you measure a dose. Measure the liquid with a special dose measuring spoon or medicine cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

Immodium A-D Liquid and New Immodium A-D Liquid contain two different strengths of loperamide. If you switch from using one brand to using the other, follow the dosing instructions carefully. Immodium A-D Liquid also contains a small amount of alcohol, but New Immodium A-D Liquid does not.

It may take up to 48 hours before your symptoms improve. Keep using the medication as directed and tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 10 days of treatment.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze liquid loperamide.