LOPERAMIDE

Brand & Generic Names

Imodium
Imodium A-D
Kaopectate II Caplets
Pepto Diarrhea Control

Basic Information

• Habit forming? No, unless taken in high doses for long periods.
• Prescription needed? No
• Available as generic? Yes
• Drug class: Antidiarrheal

Uses

Relieves diarrhea and reduces volume of discharge from ileostomies and colostomies.

Dosage & Usage Information

How to take:
Capsule--Swallow with food to lessen stomach irritation.
Liquid--Follow label instructions and use marked dropper.
Caplets--Swallow with liquid.

When to take:
No more often than directed on label.

If you forget a dose:
Take as soon as you remember up to 2 hours late. If more than 2 hours, wait for next scheduled dose (don't double this dose).

What drug does:
Blocks digestive tract's nerve supply, which reduces irritability and contractions in intestinal tract.

Time lapse before drug works:
1 to 2 hours.

Don't take with:
Any other medicine without consulting your doctor or pharmacist.

Overdose

SYMPTOMS:
Constipation, lethargy, drowsiness or unconsciousness.

WHAT TO DO:

Overdose unlikely to threaten life. If person takes much larger amount than prescribed, call doctor, poison-control center or hospital emergency room for instructions.

Possible Adverse Reactions or Side Effects

Life-threatening:

Unconsciousness. Seek emergency treatment.

Common:

None expected.

Infrequent:

• Rash.
• Drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, bloating, constipation, appetite loss, abdominal pain.

Rare:

Unexplained fever, nausea, vomiting.

Warnings & Precautions

Don't take if:

• You have severe colitis.
• You have colitis resulting from antibiotic treatment or infection.

Before you start, consult your doctor:

• If you are dehydrated from fluid loss caused by diarrhea.
• If you have liver disease.

Over age 60:
Adverse reactions and side effects may be more frequent and severe than in younger persons.

Pregnancy:
No proven harm. Avoid if possible.

Breast-feeding:
No proven problems, but avoid if possible or discontinue nursing until you finish medicine. Consult doctor for advice on maintaining milk supply.

Infants & children:
Don't give to infants or toddlers. Use only under doctor's supervision for children older than 2.

Prolonged use:
Habit forming at high dose.

Skin & sunlight:
No problems expected.

Driving, piloting or hazardous work:
Don't drive or pilot aircraft until you learn how medicine affects you. Don't work around dangerous machinery. Don't climb ladders or work in high places. Danger increases if you drink alcohol or take medicine affecting alertness and reflexes.

Discontinuing:

• May be unnecessary to finish medicine. Follow doctor's instructions.
• After discontinuing, consult doctor if you experience muscle cramps, nausea, vomiting, trembling, stomach cramps or unusual sweating.

Others:
If acute diarrhea lasts longer than 48 hours, discontinue and call doctor. In chronic diarrhea, loperamide is unlikely to be effective if diarrhea doesn't improve in 10 days.

Possible Interaction with Other Drugs

GENERIC NAME	COMBINED EFFECT
------------------------	-----------------------
Narcotic analgesics	Increased risk of severe constipation.

Possible Interaction with Other Substances

INTERACTS WITH	COMBINED EFFECT
---------------	---------------
Alcohol:	Depressed brain function. Avoid.
Beverages:	None expected.
Cocaine:	Decreased loperamide effect.
Foods:	None expected.
Marijuana:	None expected.
Tobacco:	None expected.