Loperamide

Loperamide Capsules and Tablets

(loe PER a mide)

Imodium

Do not take more than the package label says or your doctor told you to take. Taking more than you were told can cause very bad heart problems, including an abnormal heartbeat. Sometimes, these heart problems can lead to death. Taking this drug with certain other drugs may also raise the chance of heart problems. Talk with your doctor. Do not give to a child younger than 2 years of age.

It is used to treat diarrhea. It is used to lower ostomy output.

If you have an allergy to loperamide or any other part of this drug. If you are allergic to this drug; any part of this drug; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had. If you have any of these health problems: Belly pain without diarrhea, dysentery (may include blood in stools and fever), constipation, or a certain bowel problem called colitis. If you have ever had a long QT on ECG or other heartbeat that is not normal. If you have heart problems. If you have any of these health problems: Low potassium or magnesium levels. If you are taking any drugs that can cause a certain type of heartbeat that is not normal (prolonged QT interval). There are many drugs that can do this. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure. If you are breast-feeding. Do not breast-feed while you take this drug. This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this drug. Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take this drug with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

Tell all of your health care providers that you take this drug. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists. Avoid driving and doing other tasks or actions that call for you to be alert until you see how this drug affects you. Talk with your doctor before you drink alcohol or use other drugs and natural products that slow your actions. Dehydration and electrolyte problems can happen in people who have diarrhea. Talk with the doctor about what to do to prevent dehydration and electrolyte problems. Use with care in children. Talk with the doctor. If you are 65 or older, use this drug with care. You could have more side effects. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using this drug while you are pregnant.

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect: Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat. Very bad dizziness or passing out. Chest pain or pressure or a fast heartbeat. A heartbeat that does not feel normal. Very upset stomach or throwing up. Belly pain. Constipation. Swelling of belly. Bloating. Fever. Black, tarry, or bloody stools. Not able to pass urine or change in how much urine is passed.

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away: Dizziness. Feeling sleepy. Feeling tired or weak. These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Use this drug as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely. Follow how to take this drug as you have been told by your doctor. Do not use more than you were told to use. Take with or without food. Drink lots of noncaffeine liquids unless told to drink less liquid by your doctor. Do not take this drug for longer than you were told by your doctor.

Many times this drug is taken on an as needed basis. Do not take more often than told by the doctor.

Store at room temperature. Protect from light. Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom. Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets. Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor. Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs. Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider. If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

This information should not be used to decide whether or not to take this medicine or any other medicine. Only the healthcare provider has the knowledge and training to decide which medicines are right for a specific patient. This information does not endorse any medicine as safe, effective, or approved for treating any patient or health condition. This is only a brief summary of general information about this medicine. It does NOT include all information about the possible uses, directions, warnings, precautions, interactions, adverse effects, or risks that may apply to this medicine. This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from the healthcare provider. You must talk with the healthcare provider for complete information about the risks and benefits of using this medicine.