PRODUCT DETAIL

Composition

• Loperamide hydrochloride 2 mg

It is an anti-diarrhoeal medicine (opioid-like drug acting in the gut only). It does not act on the brain at normal doses.

Uses / Indications

Used to treat:

• Acute diarrhoea (sudden diarrhoea)
• Traveller’s diarrhoea
• Chronic diarrhoea (under medical advice)
• Reducing stool output in some bowel conditions

It works by slowing down gut movement, allowing more water to be absorbed so stool becomes firmer and bowel frequency reduces.

Direction of Use

• Adults and children 12 years and above (varies by country label)
• Usual dose:
• Start with 2 capsules (4 mg)
• Then 1 capsule after each loose stool
• Maximum: usually 6–8 mg per day (OTC limits vary by country)
• Do not use for more than 48 hours without medical advice

Side Effects

Common:

• Constipation
• Stomach cramps
• Nausea
• Dizziness or tiredness

Less common but serious:

• Severe constipation or bloating
• Allergic reactions (rash, swelling)
• Irregular heartbeat (rare but serious, usually with overdose)
• Dangerous effects if taken in high doses

Warnings / Precautions

• Do NOT use if diarrhoea is:
• bloody or black
• with high fever
• caused by bacterial infection or antibiotics (C. difficile risk)
• Stop use if constipation develops
• Avoid dehydration—drink fluids
• Do NOT exceed dose (overdose can cause serious heart rhythm problems)

Drug Interactions

• Other medicines that slow gut movement → increased constipation risk
• Some antibiotics/antifungals → may increase levels of loperamide
• Medicines affecting heart rhythm → risk increases in overdose
• Alcohol → may worsen dizziness

Contraindications / Caution

Avoid if:

• Severe abdominal pain without diarrhoea
• Blood in stool
• High fever diarrhoea
• Ulcerative colitis flare
• Children under 2 years (and under 12 unless advised)