Imodium; Eldoper (brand availability varies by market)
Dosage form
Capsule
Strength
2 mg capsules or tablets; do not exceed the maximum stated on the product label.
Prescription classification
Both Rx and OTC strengths exist (verified)
Approved routes of administration
Oral
Applies to
IN; product status and availability may vary by jurisdiction
Approved indications
Loperamide is used for short-term symptom relief of uncomplicated diarrhoea in selected patients. It slows bowel movement but does not treat the underlying cause and is not suitable for all types of diarrhoea.
Contraindications (do not use if…)
Do not use loperamide if you have bloody stools, a high fever, severe abdominal bloating, suspected invasive bacterial diarrhoea, or certain inflammatory bowel flare-ups — unless a doctor directs otherwise. Avoid after a serious allergic reaction to loperamide.
Important precautions
Stay well hydrated and use oral rehydration solution alongside loperamide. Do not exceed the dose on the label — too much can cause dangerous heart rhythm problems. Get medical help if symptoms are severe, persistent, or come with warning signs.
Common side effects
Common side effects include constipation, stomach cramps, nausea, dizziness, and dry mouth.
Serious side effects — seek urgent medical care
High doses or overdose can cause life-threatening heart rhythm problems, fainting, or cardiac arrest. Seek urgent help for severe abdominal swelling, blood in stools, or a serious allergic reaction.
Important interactions
Some medicines that inhibit P-glycoprotein or CYP3A4 may increase loperamide levels in your body. Ask your pharmacist to check your medicine list.
Allergy considerations
Avoid loperamide if you have had a serious reaction to it or any product ingredient.
Pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy safety
Use with caution — see notes
Notes
Talk to your doctor before using loperamide during pregnancy, especially if diarrhoea is severe or you are becoming dehydrated.
Information
Lactation safety
Use with caution — see notes
Notes
Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using loperamide while breastfeeding. Treating the underlying cause and preventing dehydration comes first.
Children and older adults
Age limits vary by product and country. Do not give loperamide to young children without professional advice.
Storage
Store at room temperature in the original pack, out of reach of children.
Missed dose
Usually taken as needed — follow the package instructions and do not exceed the maximum daily dose.
Overdose
Any suspected overdose needs urgent medical advice — even if the person feels fine at first, serious heart rhythm effects can be delayed.
If you suspect an overdose or accidental poisoning:
contact your local emergency services or the nearest hospital emergency department immediately. Do not wait for symptoms.
Imodium; Eldoper (brand availability varies by market)
Dosage form
Capsule
Strength
2 mg capsules or tablets; do not exceed the maximum stated on the product label.
Prescription classification
Both Rx and OTC strengths exist (verified)
Approved routes of administration
Oral
Applies to
IN; product status and availability may vary by jurisdiction
Approved indications
Loperamide is used for short-term symptom relief of uncomplicated diarrhoea in selected patients. It slows bowel movement but does not treat the underlying cause and is not suitable for all types of diarrhoea.
Contraindications (do not use if…)
Do not use loperamide if you have bloody stools, a high fever, severe abdominal bloating, suspected invasive bacterial diarrhoea, or certain inflammatory bowel flare-ups — unless a doctor directs otherwise. Avoid after a serious allergic reaction to loperamide.
Important precautions
Stay well hydrated and use oral rehydration solution alongside loperamide. Do not exceed the dose on the label — too much can cause dangerous heart rhythm problems. Get medical help if symptoms are severe, persistent, or come with warning signs.
Common side effects
Common side effects include constipation, stomach cramps, nausea, dizziness, and dry mouth.
Serious side effects — seek urgent medical care
High doses or overdose can cause life-threatening heart rhythm problems, fainting, or cardiac arrest. Seek urgent help for severe abdominal swelling, blood in stools, or a serious allergic reaction.
Important interactions
Some medicines that inhibit P-glycoprotein or CYP3A4 may increase loperamide levels in your body. Ask your pharmacist to check your medicine list.
Allergy considerations
Avoid loperamide if you have had a serious reaction to it or any product ingredient.
Pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy safety
Use with caution — see notes
Notes
Talk to your doctor before using loperamide during pregnancy, especially if diarrhoea is severe or you are becoming dehydrated.
Information
Lactation safety
Use with caution — see notes
Notes
Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using loperamide while breastfeeding. Treating the underlying cause and preventing dehydration comes first.
Children and older adults
Age limits vary by product and country. Do not give loperamide to young children without professional advice.
Storage
Store at room temperature in the original pack, out of reach of children.
Missed dose
Usually taken as needed — follow the package instructions and do not exceed the maximum daily dose.
Overdose
Any suspected overdose needs urgent medical advice — even if the person feels fine at first, serious heart rhythm effects can be delayed.
If you suspect an overdose or accidental poisoning:
contact your local emergency services or the nearest hospital emergency department immediately. Do not wait for symptoms.
