How and when to take loperamide - Brand name: Imodium

If you've bought loperamide from a pharmacy or shop, follow the instructions that come with the packet.

If your doctor has prescribed loperamide for you or your child, follow their instructions about how and when to take it.

Dosage and strength

Loperamide comes as tablets and capsules that contain 2mg of loperamide.

The recommended dose depends on the type of diarrhoea you have and your age.

Dose for adults with short-term diarrhoea or IBS

For adults (18 years or over) the usual starting dose is 2 capsules or tablets, taken immediately. Then take 1 capsule or tablet after each runny poo.

Stop taking loperamide as soon as your symptoms settle down.

The recommended maximum dose in 24 hours is:

• 6 capsules or tablets, if you buy loperamide from a shop or a pharmacy
• 8 capsules or tablets, if you have a prescription for loperamide

Do not take loperamide for more than 48 hours without talking to a doctor.

Dose for adults with long-lasting or recurring diarrhoea

Most cases of diarrhoea get better in 5 to 7 days. If your diarrhoea does not stop in 7 days, talk to your doctor. It's important to understand the causes and to treat any complications, for instance dehydration.

If your doctor prescribes loperamide for long-lasting diarrhoea, they will tell you how much to take. The usual starting dose for adults (18 years or over) is 2 to 4 capsules or tablets a day, spaced evenly throughout the day.

Your doctor will adjust your dose according to your symptoms and how well loperamide is working. The maximum dose is 8 tablets or capsules in 24 hours.

When you're on the right dose, your doctor will usually recommend dividing your daily dose, so you take half in the morning and half in the afternoon or evening.

Occasionally people with a colostomy (stoma) need a higher dose. Only take a higher dose if your doctor tells you to.

Dose for children

Do not give loperamide to children under 12 years old unless their doctor prescribes it.

For children aged 12 years or over with short-term diarrhoea, the dose is the same as for adults.

For children aged 12 to 17 years with IBS or long-lasting diarrhoea, follow the instructions from their doctor. This is given on prescription only.

For children aged 11 years or under, follow the instructions from their doctor.

If a doctor prescribes loperamide for your child, they will use your child's weight or age to work out the right dose. The dose also depends on their symptoms.

How to take it

You can take loperamide with or without food.

If you're taking capsules or standard tablets, swallow these whole, with a drink of water.

If you're taking tablets that dissolve in your mouth, put the tablet on your tongue and let it dissolve in your saliva. You can then swallow it without a drink. Do not chew it.

How long to take it for

Most people only need to take loperamide for 1 to 2 days.

If you buy loperamide from a shop or pharmacy, do not take it for more than 48 hours without talking to a doctor.

You may need to take it for longer if your diarrhoea is because of a bowel condition such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis or short bowel syndrome.

Diarrhoea is not usually serious but it can sometimes lead to dehydration. This can be serious if you do not get the correct treatment.

Diarrhoea can also be a symptom of another problem. If your diarrhoea continues for more than 7 days, it's important to see a doctor to find out what's causing it.

If you forget to take it

If you forget a dose of loperamide, do not worry. Just take your usual dose after you next go to the toilet and have a runny poo.

Never have an extra dose to make up for a forgotten one.

If you forget doses often, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. You could also ask your pharmacist for advice on other ways to help you remember to take your medicines.

If you take too much

Do not take more than the recommended dose of loperamide.

Taking 1 extra dose of loperamide once is unlikely to harm you. But taking higher doses can cause serious heart problems. The signs of this include having a fast or irregular heartbeat.