How To Treat Diarrhea With Loperamide?

Loperamide is a medication used to treat acute and chronic diarrhea in adults and teenagers. The usual dose is 4 mg (2 tablets) after the first loose bowel movement, followed by 2 mg (1 tablet) after each loose bowel movement. No more than 8 mg (4 tablets) should be taken in any 24-hour period. The starting dose for adults (18 years or over) is 2 to 4 capsules or tablets a day, spaced evenly throughout the day. Loperamide is usually taken on an empty stomach, chewed thoroughly before swallowing. It is best to take Loperamide half an hour before a meal, especially if eating triggers the need for open bowels. The usual dose for acute diarrhea in an adult is 4 mg (two tablets/capsules) taken straightaway, followed by 2 mg (one tablet/capsule) after each time you go to the toilet. For sudden diarrhea, take 4 mg (2 tablets or capsules) to start, then 2 mg (1 tablet or capsule) after each time you go to the toilet. It is important to rule out any serious causes of diarrhea before considering the use of Loperamide.

Is it better to take 1 or 2 loperamide?

Loperamide dosage For your first dose, take two capsules (4mg) immediately following a loose stool. For each subsequent loose stool, take one capsule (2mg). You should see improvement within 48 hours of taking loperamide. Do not take more than six capsules within 24 hours.

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What to avoid while taking loperamide?

It’s best not to drink alcohol while you’re taking loperamide. Alcohol makes you more likely to have side effects such as feeling sleepy or dizzy and having difficulty concentrating.

Apart from avoiding alcohol, you can eat and drink normally while you’re taking loperamide. However, if you have diarrhoea, it’s best to avoid fatty or spicy food.

Page last reviewed: 10 April 2024 Next review due: 10 April 2027.

Is it OK to take 2 loperamide at the same time?

TAKING TOO MUCH LOPERAMIDE CAN CAUSE SERIOUS HEART PROBLEMS OR DEATH. The usual adult dosage of loperamide for both acute and chronic diarrhea is 4 mg orally after the first loose stool, then 2 mg orally after each unformed stool. You should not take more than 16mg (8 capsules) per day.

Generic name: loperamide ( loe-PER-a-mide ) Brand names: Diamode, Imodium (various products), Maalox Anti-Diarrheal, Pepto Diarrhea Control, and others Dosage forms: oral capsule, oral liquid, oral suspension, oral tablet, oral tablet, chewable Drug class: Antidiarrheals.

• Uses
• Warnings
• Before taking
• Dosage
• Side effects
• Interactions
• FAQ

What is loperamide?. Loperamide may be used to treat diarrhea or to reduce the amount of stool (poop) in people who have an ileostomy (which is when a surgeon re-routes your bowel through a small opening in your torso).

Is it better to let diarrhea run its course or take Imodium?

Over-the-Counter. Since diarrhea is your body’s way of getting rid of toxins, it is best to let it run its course. However, you may use over-the-counter antidiarrheal remedies for convenience, including:

• Attapulgite (Kaopectate)
• Loperamide (Imodium)
• Bismuth sub-salicylate (Pepto-Bismol)

DO NOT take bismuth sub-salicylate with the herbs meadowsweet ( Spirea ulmaria ), white willow ( Salix alba ), or wintergreen ( Gaultheria procumbens ).

Complementary and Alternative Therapies. Work with your doctor to find remedies that are right for you. If you are pregnant, or thinking of becoming pregnant, DO NOT use any complementary and alternative therapies (CAM) therapies unless directed to do so by your doctor.

Should I take loperamide for diarrhea or let it run its course?

Over-the-Counter. Since diarrhea is your body’s way of getting rid of toxins, it is best to let it run its course. However, you may use over-the-counter antidiarrheal remedies for convenience, including:

• Attapulgite (Kaopectate)
• Loperamide (Imodium)
• Bismuth sub-salicylate (Pepto-Bismol)

DO NOT take bismuth sub-salicylate with the herbs meadowsweet ( Spirea ulmaria ), white willow ( Salix alba ), or wintergreen ( Gaultheria procumbens ).

Complementary and Alternative Therapies. Work with your doctor to find remedies that are right for you. If you are pregnant, or thinking of becoming pregnant, DO NOT use any complementary and alternative therapies (CAM) therapies unless directed to do so by your doctor.

Can loperamide be taken on an empty stomach?

If you are taking the chewable tablet, take this medication on an empty stomach. The chewable tablets should be chewed thoroughly before swallowing.

If you are using the rapidly dissolving tablets, dry your hands before opening the blister pack to carefully remove a tablet. Do not push the tablet through the blister pack. Place the tablet on the tongue, allow it to dissolve completely, then swallow it with saliva. Do not crush, split, or break the tablet before taking it. Do not remove the tablet from the blister pack until just before taking. No water is needed to take this medication.

Diarrhea can cause dehydration. Drink plenty of fluids and minerals ( electrolytes ) to replace what is lost. Tell your doctor right away if you develop signs of dehydration (such as extreme thirst, decreased urination, muscle cramps, weakness, fainting ). You may also need to change to a bland diet during this time to reduce irritation to your stomach / intestines. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Tell your doctor if your diarrhea does not improve after 2 days, if your condition worsens, or if you develop new symptoms. If you develop blood in the stool, fever, or an uncomfortable fullness/swelling of the stomach/ abdomen, or if you think you may have a serious medical problem, get medical help right away.

How much loperamide should I take for diarrhea?

Dose for adults with short-term diarrhoea or IBS. For adults (18 years or over) the usual starting dose is 2 capsules or tablets, taken immediately. Then take 1 capsule or tablet after each runny poo.

Stop taking loperamide as soon as your symptoms settle down.

• 6 capsules or tablets, if you buy loperamide from a shop or a pharmacy
• 8 capsules or tablets, if you have a prescription for loperamide

Do not take loperamide for more than 48 hours without talking to a doctor.

Dose for adults with long-lasting or recurring diarrhoea. Most cases of diarrhoea get better in 5 to 7 days. If your diarrhoea does not stop in 7 days, talk to your doctor. It’s important to understand the causes and to treat any complications, for instance dehydration.

Should I take loperamide if I have diarrhea?

Loperamide is a medicine to treat diarrhoea (runny poo). It can help with short-term diarrhoea or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Loperamide is also used for recurring or longer lasting diarrhoea from bowel conditions such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis and short bowel syndrome.

Diarrhoea that starts suddenly usually gets better on its own within 5 to 7 days. If you need immediate short-term relief, taking loperamide can reduce the number of times you go to the toilet and it makes your poo less watery.

Loperamide works by slowing down food as it goes through your gut. Your body can then draw in more water from your intestines, so that your poos get firmer and you poo less often.

Why can’t I poop after taking loperamide?

Loperamide works on mu-opioid receptors in the gut wall to slow down the movement of the gut. This slows the contractions of the intestine, allowing more water to be absorbed back into the body through the intestinal wall, this makes the stool less watery and decreases the number of bowel movements.

How quickly does loperamide work?

Loperamide starts to work within 30 minutes of taking it and it is effective for 8 to 12 hours. You can take Loperamide either 30 minutes before a meal or when your bowels are generally more active. If your bowel is generally active all the time you can take it twice a day morning and evening.

Is it better to let a stomach bug run its course or take Imodium?

• Let your stomach settle. Stop eating solid foods for a few hours.
• Try sucking on ice chips or taking small sips of water often. You might also try drinking clear soda, clear broths or noncaffeinated sports drinks. In some cases you can try oral rehydration solutions. Drink plenty of liquid every day, taking small, frequent sips.
• Ease back into eating. As you’re able, you can return to eating your normal diet. You might find that you can eat bland, easy-to-digest foods at first, such as soda crackers, soup, oats, noodles, bananas and rice. Stop eating if your nausea returns.
• Avoid certain foods and substances until you feel better. These include caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, and fatty or highly seasoned foods.
• Get plenty of rest. The illness and dehydration may have made you weak and tired.
• Try anti-diarrhea medications. Some adults may find it helpful to take loperamide (Imodium A-D) or bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol, others) to manage their symptoms. However, avoid these if you have bloody diarrhea or fever, which could be signs of another condition.

For infants and children. When your child has an intestinal infection, the most important goal is to replace lost fluids and salts. These suggestions may help:

Help your child rehydrate. Give your child an oral rehydration solution, available at pharmacies without a prescription. Talk to your doctor if you have questions about how to use it.