Generic name: Loperamide

Why is this medication prescribed?
Loperamide is used to control diarrhea. It is available with or without a prescription.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How should this medicine be used?
Loperamide comes as a tablet, capsule, and liquid to take by mouth. It usually is taken immediately after each loose bowel movement; it is sometimes taken on a schedule (one or more times a day) for chronic diarrhea. Follow the directions on the package or on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take loperamide exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

If your symptoms do not improve within 2 days (10 days for chronic diarrhea) or if you develop a fever or bloody stools, call your doctor. Drink plenty of water or other beverages to replace fluids lost while having diarrhea.

What special precautions should I follow?
Before taking loperamide,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to loperamide or any other drugs.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking.
• tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have a fever.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking loperamide, call your doctor.
• you should know that this drug may make you drowsy and dizzy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
• remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.

What should I do if I forget a dose?
If you are taking scheduled doses of loperamide, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What side effects can this medication cause?
Although side effects from loperamide are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• dry mouth
• dizziness
• drowsiness
• vomiting
• stomach pain, discomfort, or distention (enlargement)
• constipation
• fatigue

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• skin rash
• hives
• itching
• wheezing
• difficulty breathing

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

What other information should I know?
Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about taking this medicine.