Medications and Drugs

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Brand Names: Diamode, Imodium A-D, Imodium A-D EZ Chews, Imodium A-D New Formula, Kao-Paverin, Kaopectate Caplet, Maalox Anti-Diarrheal

Generic Name: loperamide (oral) (Pronunciation: loe PER a mide)

• What is loperamide (Diamode, Imodium A-D, Imodium A-D EZ Chews, Imodium A-D New Formula, Kao-Paverin, Kaopectate Caplet, Maalox Anti-Diarrheal)?
• What are the possible side effects of loperamide?
• What is the most important information I should know about loperamide?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking loperamide?
• How should I take loperamide?
• What happens if I miss a dose?
• What happens if I overdose?
• What should I avoid while taking loperamide?
• What other drugs will affect loperamide?
• Where can I get more information?

What is loperamide (Diamode, Imodium A-D, Imodium A-D EZ Chews, Imodium A-D New Formula, Kao-Paverin, Kaopectate Caplet, Maalox Anti-Diarrheal)?

Loperamide slows the rhythm of digestion so that the small intestines have more time to absorb fluid and nutrients from the foods you eat.

Loperamide is used to treat diarrhea. Loperamide is also used to reduce the amount of stool in people who have an ileostomy (re-routing of the bowel through a surgical opening in the stomach).

Loperamide may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Loperamide 2 mg-GG

white, imprinted with GG 530

Loperamide 2 mg-TEV

dark brown/light brown, imprinted with 93 311

What are the possible side effects of loperamide?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• stomach pain or bloating;
• ongoing or worsening diarrhea;
• diarrhea that is watery or bloody; or
• fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash.

Less serious side effects may include:

• dizziness;
• drowsiness, tired feeling;
• constipation;
• mild stomach pain; or
• mild skin rash or itching.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about loperamide?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to loperamide, or if you have stools that are bloody, black, or tarry, or if you have diarrhea that is caused by taking an antibiotic.

Before taking loperamide, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have a fever, mucus in your stools, a history of liver disease, or if you are taking an antibiotic.

Drink extra water while you are taking this medication to keep from getting dehydrated.

It may take up to 48 hours of taking loperamide before your symptoms improve. For best results, keep using the medication as directed. Talk with your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 10 days of treatment.

Loperamide can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.