What do you need to know about loperamide?
What is loperamide? Loperamide is used to treat diarrhea. Loperamide is also used to reduce the amount of stool in people who have an ileostomy (re-routing of the bowel through a surgical opening in the stomach). Loperamide may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Is it safe to give loperamide to a child?
Loperamide is safe when used as directed. TAKING TOO MUCH LOPERAMIDE CAN CAUSE SERIOUS HEART PROBLEMS OR DEATH. Always follow directions on the medicine label about giving loperamide to a child. A safe dose of loperamide is different for an adult than for a child.
How to take loperamide for diarrhoea straight away?
The usual dose is: capsules or tablets: take 2 capsules or tablets straight away. Then take 1 capsule or tablet after each runny poo. liquid: take 4 spoonfuls (5ml each) straight away. Then take 2 spoonfuls after each runny poo.
When is the best time to stop taking loperamide?
Stop taking loperamide as soon as your symptoms settle down. The recommended maximum daily dose is: 8 capsules or tablets or 16 spoonfuls of liquid (5ml each) in 24 hours if you bought them from a pharmacy or your doctor prescribed loperamide Do not take loperamide for more than 48 hours without talking to a doctor.
When to use loperamide over the counter for diarrhea?
Nonprescription (over-the-counter) loperamide is used to control acute diarrhea (loose stools that come on suddenly and usually lasts less than 2 weeks), including travelers’ diarrhea. Prescription loperamide is also used to control acute diarrhea and also ongoing diarrhea associated with inflammatory bowel disease…
How much Loperamide is excreted in urine?
A manufacturer reports that after oral administration of 4 mg of loperamide hydrochloride, less than 2% of the dose is excreted in urine and 30% of the dose is excreted in feces as intact drug. In animals, loperamide has been shown to undergo enterohepatic circulation.
Is it safe to give a 2 year old loperamide?
Loperamide is safe when used as directed. TAKING TOO MUCH LOPERAMIDE CAN CAUSE SERIOUS HEART PROBLEMS OR DEATH. Serious heart problems may also happen if you take loperamide with other medicines. Ask a doctor or pharmacist about safely using medications together. Do not give loperamide to a child younger than 2 years old.
What to do if you have diarrhea after taking loperamide?
Carefully follow all dosing instructions for the medicine you are using. Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not allow the liquid medicine to freeze. Stop taking loperamide and call your doctor if you still have diarrhea after 2 days of treatment, or if you also have stomach bloating.
How is loperamide used to treat ileostomy?
Loperamide is also used to reduce the amount of stool in people who have an ileostomy (re-routing of the bowel through a surgical opening in the stomach).