Loperamide, Drugs that Help Cure Diarrhea

Loperamide is a drug used to treat diarrhea. Loperamide helps stop diarrhea by slowing the movement of the intestines. These drugs are only available by prescription. This product is available in dosage forms of tablets, capsules, liquids, chewable tablets, and solutions

Dose

1. For capsule dosage forms:
- Adults and teenagers: Dose is generally 4 mg (2 capsules) after the first bowel movement, and 2 mg (1 capsule) after the first dose is taken. Do not exceed 16 mg (8 capsules) within twenty-four hours.

- Children ages 8 to 12 years: The dose is generally 2 mg (1 capsule) three times daily.



- Children ages 6 to 8 years: The dose is generally 2 mg (1 capsule) twice a day.

- Children under 6 years: Use is not recommended unless directed by a physician.

2. For oral solution dosage forms:
- Adults and teenagers: Dose is generally 4 teaspoon (4 mg) after the first bowel movement and 2 teaspoonfuls (2 mg) after the first dose drink. Do not exceed 8 teaspoon (8 mg) in twenty-four hours.

- Children ages 9 to 11 years: The dose is generally 2 teaspoon (2 mg) after the first bowel movement, and 1 teaspoon (1 mg) after the first dose is taken. Do not exceed 6 teaspoons (6 mg) in twenty-four hours.

- Children ages 6 to 8 years: The dose is generally 2 teaspoon (2 mg) after the first bowel movement, and 1 teaspoon (1 mg) after the first dose is taken. Do not exceed 4 teaspoon (4 mg) in twenty-four hours.

- Children under 6 years of age: Use is not recommended unless directed by a physician.

3. For tablet dosage forms:
- Adults and teenagers: Dose is generally 4 mg (2 tablets) after the first bowel movement, and 2 mg (1 tablet) after the first dose is taken. Do not exceed 8 mg (4 tablets) within twenty-four hours.

- Children ages 9 to 11 years: The dose is generally 2 mg (1 tablet) after the first bowel movement, and 1 mg (½ tablet) after the first dose is taken. Do not exceed 6 mg (3 tablets) in twenty-four hours.

- Children ages 6 to 8 years: The dose is generally 2 mg (1 tablet) after the first bowel movement, and 1 mg (½ tablet) after the first dose is taken. Do not exceed 4 mg (2 tablets) within twenty-four hours.

- Children at the age of 6 years highlights: Use is not recommended unless directed by a physician.

Side Effects

Drug side effects are quite rare. However, if any, symptoms may include:

1. Bloating
2. Constipation
3. Loss of appetite
4. Abdominal pain accompanied by nausea and vomiting
5. Skin rash

Sources: MayoClinic