Brand Names

How to Use

Do not use loperamide to treat your diarrhea if you have a fever or if there is blood or mucus in your stools . Contact your family doctor.

For safe and effective use of this drug:

• Follow your family doctor's instructions if this drug was prescribed .
• Follow the manufacturer's package directions if you are treating yourself.

Use a specially marked measuring spoon or other device to measure each dose accurately. The average household teaspoon may not hold the right amount of liquid.

Importance of diet and fluid intake while treating diarrhea :

• In addition to using drug for diarrhea, it is very important that you replace the fluid lost by the body and follow a proper diet . For the first 24 hours, you must eat gelatin and drink plenty of caffeine-free clear liquids, such as ginger ale, decaffeinated cola, decaffeinated tea and broth. During the next 24 hours you may eat bland foods, such as cooked cereals, bread, crackers and applesauce. Fruits, vegetables, fried or spicy foods, bran, candy, caffeine and alcoholic beverages may make the condition worse.
• If too much fluid has been lost by the body due to the diarrhea, a serious condition - dehydration may develop. Check with your family doctor as soon as possible if any of the following signs or symptoms of too much fluid loss was happen
  • Decreased urination
  • Dizziness and lightheadedness
  • Dryness of mouth
  • Increased thirst
  • Wrinkled skin

Dosage

• For diarrhea:
  • For oral dosage form - capsules:
    • Adults and teenagers The usual dose is 4 milligrams - mg - 2 capsules after the first loose bowel movement and 2 mg - 1 capsule after each loose bowel movement after the first dose has been taken. No more than 16 mg - 8 capsules must be taken in any twenty-four-hour period.
    • Children 8 to 12 years of age The usual dose is 2 mg - 1 capsule three times a day.
    • Children 6 to 8 years of age The usual dose is 2 mg - 1 capsule two times a day.
    • Children up to 6 years of age Use is not recommended unless directed by your family doctor.
  • For oral dosage form - oral solution:
    • Adults and teenagers The usual dose is 4 teaspoonfuls - 4 mg after the first loose bowel movement and 2 teaspoonfuls - 2 mg after each loose bowel movement after the first dose has been taken. No more than 8 teaspoonfuls - 8 mg must be taken in any twenty-four-hour period.
    • Children 9 to 11 years of age The usual dose is 2 teaspoonfuls - 2 mg after the first loose bowel movement and 1 teaspoonful - 1 mg after each loose bowel movement after the first dose has been taken. No more than 6 teaspoonfuls - 6 mg must be taken in any twenty-four-hour period.
    • Children 6 to 8 years of age The usual dose is 2 teaspoonfuls - 2 mg after the first loose bowel movement and 1 teaspoonful - 1 mg after each loose bowel movement after the first dose has been taken. No more than 4 teaspoonfuls - 4 mg must be taken in any twenty-four-hour period.
    • Children up to 6 years of age Use is not recommended unless directed by your family doctor.
  • For oral dosage form - tablets:
    • Adults and teenagers The usual dose is 4 mg - 2 tablets after the first loose bowel movement and 2 mg - 1 tablet after each loose bowel movement after the first dose has been taken. No more than 8 mg - 4 tablets must be taken in any twenty-four-hour period.
    • Children 9 to 11 years of age The usual dose is 2 mg - 1 tablet after the first loose bowel movement and 1 mg - 1/2 tablet after each loose bowel movement after the first dose has been taken. No more than 6 mg - 3 tablets must be taken in any twenty-four-hour period.
    • Children 6 to 8 years of age The usual dose is 2 mg - 1 tablet after the first loose bowel movement and 1 mg - 1/2 tablet after each loose bowel movement after the first dose has been taken. No more than 4 mg - 2 tablets must be taken in any twenty-four-hour period.
    • Children up to 6 years of age Use is not recommended unless directed by your family doctor.

Missed dose If you must take this drug regularly and you miss a dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage To store this drug:

• Keep out of the reach of children
• Store away from heat and direct light.
• Do not store the capsule or tablet form of this drug in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the drug to break down.
• Keep the liquid form of this drug from freezing.
• Do not keep outdated drug or drug no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded drug is out of the reach of children.