Loperamide Capsules 2mg

What are Loperamide capsules?

Loperamide capsules are used for the treatment of short-term diarrhoea in those who are aged 12 and over. It is the generic version of more well known Imodium, but at a much cheaper cost.
They slow down the movement of the muscles in the intestines, this slows down the passage of food through your intestine and will increase the consistency of stool and stop the need to go to the toilet as much.

How to buy Loperamide capsules online

You can use our online pharmacy service to buy Loperamide capsules online in the UK with collection, free and next day delivery options available. We are a regulated GPhC registered pharmacy based in the UK. As Loperamide capsules in a pack of 30 are a 'Pharmacy-only' (P) medicine a pharmacist needs to have a consultation to make sure treatment is appropriate before you can purchase Loperamide capsules.
Upon completion of your order, our pharmacist will then review your online assessment. If your assessment is approved, our pharmacy team will then dispense your order, which will be dispatched the same day using your chosen delivery method or will be made available for collection.

How Loperamide Capsules work

Loperamide is an anti-motility medicine, it slows down the passage of food through your intestine. This both reduces the frequency of bowel movements and improves the consistency of stool. It also increases the absorption of water and electrolytes in the intestines. It is thought to bind to opiate receptors in the gut and increase intestinal transit time and fluid absorption. While loperamide does bind to opiate receptors it does not cross the blood brain barrier, so it will not produce any usual typical opioid effects such as pain relief, drowsiness or dependency. This makes loperamide a good choice for managing diarrhoea as you can treat your diarrhoea effectively without any of the side effects that typical opioids can cause.

How to take Loperamide Capsules

The usual dose is TWO capsules immediately followed by ONE capsule with each bowel movement.
Do not take more than 8 capsules within 24 hours.
You may need to also take Dioralyte sachets to replenish fluid and electrolytes you have lost.

Causes of diarrhoea

There can be many causes of diarrhoea, these include:

1. Infection – Diarrhoea can be caused by bacterial or viral infections such as norovirus, Salmonella, E. coli and Clostridium difficile.
2. Food poisoning – Caused by food that has been contaminated which could be due to incorrect preparation, undercooking or expired food. There can be other symptoms associated with food poisoning such as stomach cramps, vomiting (being sick), nausea (feeling sick) and a temperature.
3. Lactose intolerance – Dairy products can cause diarrhoea in lactose intolerant people, if you find yourself experiencing diarrhoea after eating anything dairy you may be lactose intolerant.
4. Coeliac disease – Gluten containing products can cause diarrhoea in those who have coeliac disease, if you find yourself experiencing diarrhoea after eating anything cotaining gluten you have coeliac disease.
5. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
6. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
7. Medications – Certain medications such as antibiotics and laxatives can cause diarrhoea. If you think your medcation is causing diarrhoea speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

If you think your diarrhoea is due to an infection you should be aware it can spread easily, take the following steps to prevent spreading any potential infection:

1. Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water
2. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
3. Disinfect toilet seats, handles, tap, surfaves and door handles every day
4. Avoid close contact with other people
5. Stay home if you are sick
6. Do not share towels or utensils
7. Stay off school or work until you've not had diarrhoea for at least 2 days

Other help with diarrhoea

There are various things you can do to help manage your diarrhoea. The most important thing you to keep in mind is to take plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.

1. Drink plenty of fluids – Diarrhoea can cause dehydration, make sure you drink plenty of fluids to replace the fluids lost through diarrhoea. Rehydration sachets such as Dioralyte are a good option as these are specifically designed to get fluids back into your system.
2. Avoid fizzy drinks – these can make your diarrhoea worse
3. Avoid caffeine and alcohol – these can make your diarrhoea worse.
4. Eat small, frequent meals – Large meals put pressure on the intestines, smaller meals will give your intestines a chance to rest and recover.
5. Avoid fatty, greasy or spicy food – these can irritate your digestive system and make your diarrhoea worse.
6. Get plenty of rest
7. Take paracetamol

'Red flag' signs to watch out for

You should keep an eye out for the following symptoms in those with diarrhoea and call 111 if you experience any of the following:

1. If you have a baby under 12 months old and are concerned about their health.
2. If your child stops breastfeeding or taking a bottle while they are sick.
3. If a child under 5 years old shows signs of dehydration, such as reduced wet diapers.
4. If you or your child (over 5 years old) continue to show signs of dehydration after using oral rehydration sachets.
5. If you or your child have bloody diarrhea or are experiencing bleeding from the bottom.
6. If you or your child have been experiencing diarrhea for more than 7 days.

You should call 999 if you experience any of the following symptoms:

1. If you are vomiting blood or your vomit looks like ground coffee.
2. If you think you may have swallowed something poisonous.
3. If you have a stiff neck and experience pain when looking at bright lights.
4. If you have a sudden, severe headache or stomach ache, seek medical attention immediately.

Alternative Forms

There are other forms of Loperamide available that you dissolve on your tongue:

• Loperamide melts
• Imodium instant melts

Loperamide side effects

As with any medication you take, there is a possibility of side effects occurring. The most common side effects of Loperamide include:

1. Abdominal pain
2. Bloating
3. Constipation
4. Dizziness
5. Drowsiness
6. Headache
7. Nausea
8. Allergic reactions, such as rash, itching, and difficulty breathing
9. Irregular heartbeat

If you would like to see a full list of side effect please refer to the SPC below or look in the patient information leaflet.

Who cannot take loperamide capsules

Loperamide is not suitable for some people.
Do not take loperamide if you:

1. Experience severe diarrhea after taking antibiotics
2. Are having a flare-up of an inflammatory bowel condition such as ulcerative colitis
3. Are constipated or your stomach appears swollen

Check with your doctor before taking loperamide if you:

1. Have previously had allergic reactions to loperamide
2. Have had diarrhea for more than 48 hours
3. Have HIV and your stomach becomes swollen
4. Have liver problems
5. Have blood in your stool and a high fever – these can be signs of dysentery
6. Are trying to become pregnant, are pregnant, or are breastfeeding

If you have diarrhea and IBS, talk to your doctor before taking loperamide if you:

1. Are 40 years of age or older and it has been some time since your last IBS attack, or if your symptoms are different this time
2. Have recently had blood in your stool (your stool may be bright red or black)
3. Experience severe constipation
4. Are experiencing vomiting or feeling nauseous
5. Have lost your appetite
6. Have unexplained weight loss
7. Have a high fever
8. Experience difficulty or pain while urinating
9. Have recently traveled abroad – you may have picked up a stomach bug

Loperamide and pregnancy

There is not enough evidence to say whether loperamide is safe to use during pregnancy or not. Contact your doctor if you have diarrhoea while pregnant to discuss your treatment options.

Loperamide and breastfeeding

While it is safe to taken during breasfeeding, a tiny amount can still pass through breast milk into your child. It is unlikely to have any effect, but if you notice any change in you babys behaviour such as not feeding as well as usual, is unusually sleepy or you have any concerns contact your doctor or health visitor.

Loperamide interactions

The following medicines interact with loperamide, tell your doctor before you start taking loperamide if you take:

1. Clozapine
2. Dronedarone
3. Tepotinib
4. Velpatasvir

If you would like to see a full list of loperamide interactions you can see them here: Loperamide interactions.

More Loperamide capsules information

If you would like more information, you can find the SPC here.