Loperamide
Also known as: Imodium
What it's for
Loperamide treats sudden, short-lasting diarrhoea. It slows down your gut to reduce the number of bowel movements. It should not be used for more than a few days.
Comes as: Capsules or tablets
How to take it
- Adults: Take 4mg (2 capsules) at first, then 2mg after each loose stool.
- Maximum 16mg (8 capsules) in 24 hours.
- Do not use for more than 48 hours without medical advice.
- Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.
Doses here are typical. Always follow the instructions from your prescriber or on the packet — they come first.
Common side effects
- Constipation (if too much is taken)
- Feeling bloated or having wind
- Stomach cramps
- Feeling sick
The leaflet inside the packet lists all known side effects.
Important safety points
- Do not use if you have bloody diarrhoea or fever
- Do not use for more than 48 hours without advice
- Drink plenty of fluids while you have diarrhoea
- Not suitable for some bowel conditions like ulcerative colitis
Get medical help urgently if…
- You have blood in your diarrhoea
- You have severe stomach pain
- You have a high temperature with diarrhoea
- Diarrhoea continues for more than 48 hours
Call NHS 111 for urgent advice, or 999 if someone is seriously unwell.
Before you act on anything here
This page is general information, written to help you understand — it is not personal medical advice and it cannot tell you what is right for you. Talk to your own GP, pharmacist or nurse about your own health.
- Need help now but it's not an emergency? Call NHS 111 or use 111.nhs.uk.
- Emergency? Call 999 or go to A&E.