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 1-D, Maalox Anti-Diarrheal

Generic Name: loperamide (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 1-D, 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 1-D, 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 purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Loperamide 2 mg-GG

white, imprinted with GG 530

Loperamide 2 mg-MYL

brown, imprinted with MYLAN 2100

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 taking loperamide and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• stomach pain or bloating;
• ongoing or worsening diarrhea;
• diarrhea that is watery or bloody; or
• severe skin reaction -- fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain, followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling.

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. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. 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 have a fever, mucus in your stools, a history of liver disease, or if you are taking an antibiotic.

Drink plenty of liquids while you are taking loperamide.

It may take up to 48 hours before your symptoms improve. Keep using the medication as directed and tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 10 days of treatment.

Loperamide may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.

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