Loperamide: Price, Dosage & Where to Buy

Loperamide is an antidiarrhoeal medicine used to relieve symptoms of diarrhoea. The product label also describes relief of associated bloating, pressure and cramps, commonly referred to as gas, although these symptoms should not be assumed to have the same cause in every case. Ask a pharmacist about obtaining loperamide and whether it is suitable for the symptoms being experienced.

Loperamide acts on opioid receptors in the bowel wall, slowing the movement of the intestines. This allows more time for water and salts to be absorbed from the bowel contents, making stools less loose and reducing the frequency of bowel movements.

Its main antidiarrhoeal action is within the gut. Slowing bowel movement provides symptom relief, but does not identify or treat the underlying cause of diarrhoea.

The product label describes relief of diarrhoea symptoms together with bloating, pressure and cramps, commonly referred to as gas. Diarrhoea involves loose stools, while the associated symptoms can make the abdomen feel uncomfortable or distended. The listed use is symptom relief rather than treatment of a specified underlying cause.

The label advises medical review if symptoms become worse, diarrhoea lasts for more than 2 days, or abdominal swelling or bulging develops. Bloody or black stools are a reason not to use this product.

The label lists oral capsules, liquid-filled capsules, tablets, coated tablets and film-coated tablets at 2 mg, and oral solution and suspension at 1 mg/7.5 mL. The label lists, for adults and children 12 years and over, 2 caplets after the first loose stool and 1 caplet after each subsequent loose stool, with no more than 4 caplets in 24 hours. The label lists lower caplet doses for younger children, medical advice for children 2-5 years, and no use for children under 2 years.

These caplet directions are product-specific and should not be assumed to apply to every loperamide formulation. The label also emphasises clear fluids to help prevent dehydration caused by diarrhoea.

The label specifies storage between 20 °C and 25 °C and protection from light. Keep the medicine out of reach of children. Do not use a caplet from a printed blister unit that is broken or torn.

The caplet directions are linked to loose stools rather than a regular daily schedule, so a missed dose does not usually require a catch-up dose. Do not double a dose to compensate for an omission. A pharmacist can clarify the directions for the particular formulation, including its labelled maximum.

The label advises asking a health professional before use during pregnancy or breast-feeding. It does not describe pregnancy outcomes or effects on a breast-fed baby. A doctor or pharmacist can discuss whether this product is suitable before it is used.