* Generic Name: loperamide hcl
* Brand Name: Imodium
* What is loperamide?
* 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 is loperamide?
Loperamide slows the rhythm of digestion so that the small intestines
have more time to absorb fluid and nutrients from the foods you
eat.
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.
What are the possible side effects of loperamide?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction
(hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a
severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning in your eyes,
skin pain, red or purple skin rash that spreads and causes blistering
and peeling).
Stop taking loperamide and call your doctor at once if you have:
* diarrhea that is watery or bloody;
* stomach pain or bloating;
* ongoing or worsening diarrhea; or
* fast or pounding heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, shortness of
breath, and sudden dizziness (like you might pass out).
Common side effects may include:
* constipation;
* dizziness, drowsiness;
* nausea; or
* stomach cramps.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call
your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side
effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about loperamide?
You should not use loperamide if you have ulcerative colitis,
bloody or tarry stools, diarrhea with a high fever, or diarrhea caused
by antibiotic medication.
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.
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What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking loperamide?
You should not use loperamide if you are allergic to it, or if you
have:
* stomach pain without diarrhea;
* diarrhea with a high fever;
* ulcerative colitis;
* diarrhea that is caused by a bacterial infection; or
* stools that are bloody, black, or tarry.
Do not give loperamide to a child younger than 2 years old. Do not give
this medicine to an older child or teenager without a doctor's advice.
Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to use this medicine
if you have:
* a fever;
* mucus in your stools;
* liver disease; or
* AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome).
Ask your doctor before using loperamide to treat diarrhea caused by
taking an antibiotic (Clostridium difficile).
Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant.
You should not breast-feed while you are using loperamide.
How should I take loperamide?
Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.
Loperamide is safe when used as directed. TAKING TOO MUCH LOPERAMIDE
CAN CAUSE SERIOUS HEART PROBLEMS OR DEATH.
Carefully follow all dosing directions on the medicine label. A safe
dose of loperamide is different for an adult than for a child.
Loperamide doses in children are based on the child's age.
Take loperamide with a full glass of water. Diarrhea can cause your
body to lose fluids and electrolytes. Drink plenty of liquids to keep
from getting dehydrated.
The loperamide chewable tablet must be chewed before swallowing.
Shake the oral suspension (liquid) before you measure a dose. Use the
dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a
kitchen spoon).
Not all liquid forms of loperamide are the same strengths. 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.
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What happens if I miss a dose?
Since loperamide is used when needed, it does not have a daily dosing
schedule. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after using
this medicine.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at
1-800-222-1222. An overdose of loperamide can be fatal.
Overdose symptoms may include fast or irregular heartbeats, or
fainting. A person caring for you should seek emergency medical
attention if you pass out and are hard to wake up.
What should I avoid while taking loperamide?
Avoid drinking tonic water. It can interact with loperamide and may
cause serious heart problems.
Avoid becoming dehydrated by drinking plenty of fluids. Avoid vigorous
exercise or exposure to hot weather if you are dehydrated.
Loperamide liquid may contain alcohol. Avoid driving or hazardous
activity until you know how this medicine will affect you. Your
reactions could be impaired.
What other drugs will affect loperamide?
Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medications at the same time.
Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you take. Ask a
doctor or pharmacist about safely using medications together.
Loperamide can cause a serious heart problem. Your risk may be higher
if you also use certain other medicines for infections, heart problems,
depression, mental illness, cancer, malaria, or HIV.
Many drugs can affect loperamide. This includes prescription and
over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all
possible interactions are listed here. Tell your doctor about all your
current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.
Where can I get more information?
Your pharmacist can provide more information about loperamide.
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