Loperamide, Oral

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: antidiarrheal

Generic and brand names: loperamide, oral; Diar-Aid; Imodium; Imodium A-D; Imodium A-D Advanced; Kaopectate II; Maalox Anti-Diarrheal; Pepto Diarrhea Control

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is used to treat acute (sudden) and chronic (long-term) diarrhea. One form of this medicine can be purchased without a prescription to control the symptoms of simple diarrhea, including traveler's diarrhea.

What should my health care provider know before I take this medicine?

Before taking this medicine, tell your health care provider if you have liver disease.

Females of childbearing age: Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding.

How do I take it?

Take this medicine exactly as directed by your health care provider. Do not take more than prescribed. Too much of this medicine can increase the risk of side effects. If you are using the nonprescription form of this medicine, follow the directions on the package exactly.

You may take this medicine with or without food. Taking it with meals may lessen the chance the drug will upset your stomach.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your health care provider.

What should I watch out for?

Contact your health care provider right away if your condition does not improve in 2 or 3 days or if you develop a fever (temperature over 101°F), severe stomach pain, severe nausea or vomiting, or bloody diarrhea.

This medicine may make you drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are fully alert.

This medicine may cause dry mouth. Contact your health care provider if it becomes severe.

Do not use this medicine for other similar conditions unless your health care provider approves.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Serious (report these to your health care provider right away): Abdominal pain, fever over 101°F, bloody diarrhea, constipation.

Other: Drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth.

What products might interact with this medicine?

No significant drug interactions have been reported.

Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, nonprescription, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins) with you. Be sure that you tell all health care providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

How should I store this medicine?

Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.

This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your health care provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.