LOPERAMIDE loose stool, until the diarrhea vomiting . An allergic reaction disappears accompanied by a skin rash can sometimes occur. If a skin rash Other NAMES: Imodium® or occurs stop taking loperamide and call your doctor. WHY is this drug prescribed? ___tablets(___mg)____times a day If you are taking the quick dissolve Loperamide is used to treat sudden tablet you may experience a burning short-term or chronic diarrhea. You should never take more than 8 or prickly sensation on the tongue. Loperamide can decrease stool tablets (16 mg) over a 24-hour frequency and increase the period. It is important that you keep your consistency of the stools. Also, doctor appointments and come certain symptoms associated with Under the advice of a doctor, for your laboratory tests so that diarrhea such as abdominal pain, loperamide can be used in children your progress can be followed. bloating and flatulence (gas) can be aged between 2 and 12. The doctor improved. will determine the proper dosage for What other PRECAUTIONS should the child based on his or her weight. you follow while using this drug? HOW should this drug be taken? What should you do if you Loperamide should not be used if Loperamide is available in two FORGET a dose? you have a fever or if you have blood forms, a 2 mg tablet that should be in your stools. Consult your doctor if swallowed and a 2 mg quick dissolve If loperamide must be taken you have these symptoms since you tablet that should be placed on the regularly and you miss a dose, take might need antibiotics to treat the tongue where it will dissolve rapidly. it as soon as possible. However, if it diarrhea. Loperamide can be used on is time for your next dose, do not occasion on an as needed basis or it double the dose, just carry on with You should not take loperamide if can be used regularly to treat more your regular schedule. you have already had an allergic persistent, chronic diarrhea. reaction to this drug or if you have a What ADVERSE EFFECTS can this preexisting disease of the intestines Your dosage is: drug cause? What should you do (eg. colon cancer, ulcerative colitis, about them? Crohn’s disease). Consult your 2 mg tablet (swallow): doctor for directions on how to treat 2 mg quick dissolve tablet (place The adverse effects that are possible the diarrhea in these circumstances. on tongue): are usually minor and temporary. Loperamide should be stopped Some people will experience ____tablets(___mg) after the first constipation, drowsiness, immediately if constipation or episode of loose stools, followed by abdominal discomfort, dizziness, important abdominal pain develops. ____tablets (____mg) after each tiredness, dry mouth, nausea and You should also stop this drug and consult a doctor if acute diarrhea How should this drug be STORED? does not improve within 48 hours. Loperamide tablets and quick The safety of loperamide during dissolve tablets should be stored in a pregnancy and breastfeeding has cool (15 - 30 °C) dry place, protected not been established. Please from light and well out of the reach of discuss this with your doctor if this is children. Ensure that the drug has LOPERAMIDE a concern. not expired by checking the expiry date (“EXP”) shown on the outside of Diarrhea is often accompanied by the package. dehydration. It is crucial to always drink appropriate amounts of fluids in Do not store in your bathroom or order to avoid dehydration. If you kitchen, as heat and moisture may have minor diarrhea (less than 4 cause the drug to be less active. stools daily) drinking caffeine-free MEDICATION soft drinks, juices or sport If you have any questions or rehydration drinks can be sufficient. concerns about this drug or if you If the diarrhea is more severe, are experiencing adverse effects, FACT SHEET specially formulated rehydration please discuss them with your drinks should be taken. pharmacist, doctor or nurse. These products can be obtained in Write questions or concerns down pharmacies (for example, Pedialyte® to ensure they are addressed. or Gastrolyte®). These drinks contain sugar as well as other The following pharmacist is available substances that you may lose in high to answer questions: amounts because of the diarrhea (sodium, potassium). Your Pharmacist: __________________ pharmacist can tell you how much of Telephone: __________________ these drinks you need to take to avoid dehydration. You should consult a doctor if you have one or more symptoms associated with dehydration. These Reference: Product monograph Imodium (loperamide). Guelph, ON, Canada: McNeil Consumer HealthCare, 2000. are dry mouth, excessive thirst, Prepared by the Ontario HIV Pharmacy Professional Specialty Group, 2003. Reviewed 2009. wrinkled skin, little or no urination, dizziness and lightheadedness. Additional medication fact sheets and updates may be found at: www.hivclinic.ca .