Medications and Drugs
GENERIC NAME: LOPERAMIDE - ORAL CAPSULE, TABLET (low-PAIR-uh-mide)
BRAND NAME(S): Imodium, Kaopectate 1-D, Maalox Anti-Diarrheal, Pepto Diarrhea Control
Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage
USES: This medication is used to treat diarrhea or to reduce the amount of discharge in patients who have undergone an ileostomy.
HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth exactly as directed. Do not increase your dose or take this longer than directed without your doctor's approval. In acute diarrhea this is usually taken for only 2 days. Treatment of chronic diarrhea may continue for up to 10 days. Notify your doctor if diarrhea does not stop after a few days. While taking this medication, drink plenty of clear liquids to replace fluid loss from diarrhea and prevent dehydration.
SIDE EFFECTS: Stomach ache, nausea, vomiting, bloating, constipation, dry mouth, drowsiness or dizziness may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, contact your doctor promptly. To relieve dry mouth, suck on (sugarless) hard candy or ice chips, chew (sugarless) gum, drink water or use saliva substitute. Tell your doctor immediately if you have this unlikely but serious side effect: stomach pain. A serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor if you have: liver problems, ulcerative colitis, if you have recently taken antibiotics, allergies (especially drug allergies). This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcohol intake because it can intensify the dizziness or drowsiness effects of this medication. Use this medication cautiously in children. This medication should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known if this medication appears in breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
- Drug Interactions - Learn about potential drug interactions you may be exposed to. Drug interactions can occur with prescription drugs, OTC medication, vitamins, herbs, and supplements.
- Diarrhea - Read the causes of diarrhea including infections, parasites, food poisoning, medications, IBS, IBD, cancer, endocrine disease, fat malabsorption, laxative abuse and more.
- Drugs: What You Should Know About Your Drugs - Find out what you should know about your drugs such as side effects, warnings and precautions, storage information, and if a generic version is as good as the brand name.
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