How does loperamide work?
Loperamide is an anti-motility medicine. This means that it slows down food as it goes through your gut. Your body can then draw in more water from your intestines, so that your poos get firmer and you poo less often.
How long does loperamide take to work?
Loperamide usually starts to make your diarrhoea better within 1 hour.
Is it safe to take for a long time?
If you buy loperamide for short-term diarrhoea, do not take it for longer than 48 hours without talking to a doctor.
You can use loperamide for long-lasting diarrhoea or if you have a colostomy (stoma) if your doctor prescribes it.
Are there any other treatments that could help diarrhoea?
Short-term diarrhoea is not usually caused by bacteria. However, occasionally your doctor will prescribe an antibiotic if you have severe diarrhoea caused by a specific kind of bacteria.
Speak to a pharmacist if you have signs of dehydration, such as peeing less than usual or having dark, strong-smelling pee. Your pharmacist can recommend oral rehydration sachets. These are powders that you mix with water and then drink.
If you've been diagnosed with a health problem that's causing your diarrhoea, treating the problem may help improve your symptoms. For example, you can help relieve irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) with changes to your diet and medicines.
Can I take loperamide to prevent diarrhoea?
Do not take loperamide to prevent diarrhoea unless your doctor tells you to.
It's not been approved and tested for preventing diarrhoea.
Can I take loperamide with painkillers?
Yes, you can take loperamide at the same time as painkillers like paracetamol and ibuprofen.
Will it affect my contraception?
Loperamide does not stop any type of contraception from working, including the combined contraceptive pill, progestogen-only pill and emergency contraception.
However, if you have severe diarrhoea for more than 24 hours, your contraceptive pills may not protect you from pregnancy. Look on the pill packet to find out what to do.
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Can I drive or ride a bike?
You may need to find a toilet urgently if you have diarrhoea. You may feel generally unwell and tired.
Loperamide can make you feel dizzy, tired or sleepy. You might also feel less alert, feel faint or pass out. If this happens to you do not drive, cycle or use machinery or tools until you feel better.
It's an offence to drive a car if your ability to drive safely is affected. It's your responsibility to decide if it's safe to drive. If you're in any doubt, do not drive.
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you're unsure whether it's safe for you to drive while taking loperamide. GOV.UK has more information on the law on drugs and driving.
Can I drink alcohol while taking loperamide?
It's best not to drink alcohol while you're taking loperamide. Alcohol makes you more likely to have side effects such as feeling sleepy or dizzy and having difficulty concentrating.
Is there any food or drink I need to avoid?
Apart from avoiding alcohol, you can eat and drink normally while you're taking loperamide. However, if you have diarrhoea, it's best to avoid fatty or spicy food.