Pack of Loperamide Hydrochloride capsules front view

Loperamide Hydrochloride 2mg Capsules Pack of 6

£0.95

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Description

Loperamide hydrochloride capsules contain the active ingredient loperamide hydrochloride. Loperamide belongs to a group of medicines called ’antidiarrhoeals’ which are used to treat diarrhoea. Loperamide is used to treat sudden acute cases of diarrhoea in adults and children over 12 years of age, and IBS diarrhoea, if diagnosed by a doctor, in adults over 18 years of age. It reduces diarrhoea by slowing down an overactive bowel. It also helps the body to absorb more water and salts from the bowel.

FAQ

How does Loperamide work?

Loperamide is an over-the-counter medication commonly used to treat diarrhea. It works by slowing down the movement of muscles in the intestines, allowing the body to absorb more water and electrolytes from the digestive tract. This helps to firm up stools and reduce the frequency of bowel movements.

Here’s how loperamide works in more detail:

  1. Slows Intestinal Motility: Loperamide works by acting on opioid receptors in the gut. By binding to these receptors, it reduces the speed at which food and waste move through the intestines. This allows more time for water and nutrients to be absorbed, resulting in firmer stools and fewer bowel movements.

  2. Increases Water Absorption: By slowing intestinal transit, loperamide helps the intestines absorb more water and electrolytes. This is crucial in managing diarrhea, as the body often loses large amounts of water and electrolytes, leading to dehydration.

  3. Reduces Urgency and Frequency: One of the main benefits of loperamide is its ability to reduce the urgency and frequency of bowel movements, helping individuals regain control over their symptoms. It is commonly used in the treatment of acute diarrhea caused by infections, food sensitivities, or other digestive disturbances.

  4. Does Not Affect the Central Nervous System: Although loperamide is an opioid, it doesn’t have the same effects on the brain as other opioids, like morphine or codeine. This is because it is poorly absorbed into the bloodstream and acts primarily on the gut. As a result, it does not produce the euphoric or addictive effects typical of other opioid drugs.

Important Considerations: Loperamide is generally safe for use in adults and children aged 12 and older. It should not be given to children under 12, as it may cause harmful side effects in younger children. Additionally, it’s important to follow the recommended dosage instructions to avoid potential side effects such as constipation or bloating.

How long does Loperamide take to work?

Loperamide typically starts to work within 1 to 2 hours after taking it. The exact time may vary depending on the individual and the severity of the diarrhea. Most people begin to experience a reduction in the frequency of bowel movements and a decrease in urgency within this time frame.

Here’s a more detailed breakdown of what you can expect when taking loperamide:

  1. Initial Effects: After taking loperamide, it usually takes about 1 to 2 hours for the medication to start working and reduce the symptoms of diarrhea. You may notice that the urgency to use the bathroom decreases and that bowel movements become less frequent.

  2. Maximum Effect: While the initial effects can be felt within hours, the full therapeutic effect may take up to 6 hours to be fully realized. This is especially true for individuals with more severe diarrhea.

  3. Duration of Action: Loperamide’s effects can last for up to 24 hours, depending on the dose taken and how your body responds. However, it’s important not to exceed the recommended dosage, as taking too much can lead to serious side effects like constipation.

  4. Factors That Affect Timing: The time it takes for loperamide to work can vary depending on several factors, including your metabolism, the cause of diarrhea, and whether you are taking other medications. In cases of chronic diarrhea or underlying health conditions, the response time might be different.

Important Considerations: If your diarrhea does not improve within 48 hours of taking loperamide, or if you experience severe symptoms such as a high fever or blood in your stools, you should stop using loperamide and seek medical advice.

What are the side effects of Loperamide?

Loperamide is a commonly used medication to treat diarrhea, but like all medications, it may cause side effects in some individuals. Most people tolerate loperamide well, but it is important to be aware of potential side effects and know when to seek medical advice.

Here are the possible side effects of loperamide:

  1. Common Side Effects:

    • Constipation: One of the most common side effects of loperamide is constipation. As loperamide slows down the movement of the intestines, it can lead to difficulty passing stools, especially if used for a prolonged period.
    • Stomach Cramps: Some individuals may experience mild abdominal pain or cramps as a result of slower bowel movements.
    • Nausea and Vomiting: Occasionally, loperamide can cause nausea or vomiting, particularly if taken in higher doses than recommended.
    • Bloating: Some users may feel bloated or full due to the slower movement of food and waste through the digestive system.

  2. Serious Side Effects (Less Common):

    • Severe Constipation: In rare cases, loperamide can cause severe constipation, which may lead to more serious complications like intestinal blockage. This requires immediate medical attention.
    • Abdominal Distension: Swelling or bloating in the abdomen can occur, and if it becomes severe, it should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.
    • Dizziness or Drowsiness: Although uncommon, some individuals may feel dizzy or drowsy when taking loperamide. This can impair your ability to perform tasks that require focus, like driving.
    • Heart Problems: In rare cases, especially when taken in high doses, loperamide can cause heart-related side effects, such as a fast or irregular heartbeat. This can be dangerous and requires immediate medical attention.

  3. Severe Reactions (Very Rare):

    • Allergic Reactions: While rare, some individuals may experience allergic reactions to loperamide. Symptoms can include rash, itching, swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), and difficulty breathing. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical help immediately.
    • Toxic Megacolon: In extreme cases, especially with overuse or misuse of the medication, loperamide may contribute to a condition called toxic megacolon, a severe form of colon dilation that can be life-threatening.
Directions

Follow the instructions below or ask your pharmacist for help if you are not sure how to take this medicine.

For oral administration.

Swallow whole with a drink.

Short-term diarrhoea:

Adults and children over 12 years:

Two capsules initially followed by one capsule after each period of diarrhoea, for up to 24 hours.

Do not take more than six capsules in any 24-hour period. Do not take Loperamide for attacks lasting longer than 48 hours. If your symptoms do not improve within 48 hours, please contact your doctor.

Children under 12 years:

This medicine should not be given to children under 12 years of age.

IBS diarrhoea, previously diagnosed by a doctor:

Adults aged 18 and over:

Take two capsules to start treatment. Take one capsule after each loose bowel movement (or as advised by your doctor). You can use this medicine for up to 2 weeks for repeated attacks, but do not take for any one attack lasting longer than 48 hours. Do not take more than six capsules in a 24-hour period. 

Replacing fluids and salts

When you have diarrhoea you lose large amounts of fluid and salts and can become dehydrated so, in addition to this medicine you need to take in more liquids than usual. You are more likely to become dehydrated if you are also vomiting.

Take small frequent sips of water or diluted fruit juice.

If there are signs of dehydration (drowsiness, passing little urine, dry mouth/tongue, unresponsiveness or glazed eyes), particularly in a child, or in frail or elderly people contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately

If you are worried about becoming dehydrated, the doctor/pharmacist may advise rehydration drinks. These can be obtained from the pharmacy/chemist and provide the correct balance of water, salt and sugar.

Avoid drinking very large amounts of plain water. Do not drink alcohol or milk

As soon as you feel like it eat. The best foods to start with are those high in carbohydrates (such as plain bread, pasta, rice or potatoes) and soup. Avoid fatty foods, and fruit and vegetables at first.

Within a couple of days of the symptoms resolving, you should be back on your normal diet.

If you take more Loperamide Capsules than you should

Contact your doctor or go to your nearest casualty department immediately. Take the container and this leaflet with you so that people will know what you have taken.

If you forget to take Loperamide Capsules

Take it as soon as you remember. Never double up a dose to make up for the dose you have missed.

Patient Information Leaflet
Warnings

Do not take Loperamide Capsules if:

 

  • you are allergic to loperamide or any of the other ingredients
  • you need to keep the bowel movements normal to avoid complications such as blockage of the bowel and abnormal or rapid widening of the colon
  • you have constipation, blockage of the bowel or a bloated tummy (in particular, in children with severe dehydration). Symptoms of dehydration may include drowsiness, passing little urine, dry mouth/tongue, unresponsiveness or glazed eyes)
  • you have inflammation or irritation of the bowel e.g. diverticulosis, colitis or bacterial enterocolitis caused by Salmonella, Shigella or Campylobacter (symptoms may include watery or bloody diarrhoea)
  • you have symptoms of dysentery, which may include blood in your stools and a high temperature
  • you have irritable bowel syndrome

 

These capsules should not be given to children under 12 years of age.

Take special care if:

 

  • you have or think you may have lost body fluids and salts through diarrhoea. Particularly important for children and frail or elderly patients with severe diarrhoea
  • you have liver disease
  • you have inflammatory bowel disease
  • you have AIDS. You must stop taking loperamide at the earliest signs of abnormal distension.

 

Since persistent diarrhoea can be an indicator of potentially more serious conditions, loperamide should not be used for prolonged periods of time.

You should consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking loperamide as it may cause side effects.

If any of the above apply to you, please consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Loperamide may interact with other medicines. If you are taking other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription and you are unsure about taking loperamide, you should contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In particular you should tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any of the following:

 

  • co-trimoxazole, an antibiotic, used in the treatment of bacterial infections such as chronic bronchitis
  • quinidine, used in the treatment of an abnormal heart beat
  • ritonavir, used in the treatment of HIV infection and AIDS
  • oral desmopressin, used in the treatment of diabetes and bedwetting.

 

If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, do not take Loperamide Capsules. It is not known if it safe to take. If you are breast−feeding, you should consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking, as small amounts of this medicine may get into your breast milk.

This medicine may make you feel tired, dizzy or drowsy.

If affected, do not drive or operate machinery or take part in activities where such effects could put yourself or others at risk.

This product contains lactose. If you have been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars, contact your doctor before taking this medicinal product.

Like all medicines Loperamide Capsules can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.

Stop taking your medicine and contact your doctor immediately or nearest hospital if you experience the following (very rare side effects):

 

  • Allergic reactions which can produce swelling of the face, eyes, tongue and/or lips, difficulty breathing and/or swallowing or itching
  • Severe skin rashes including blistering of skin, mouth, eyes and genitals
  • Severe tummy pains with bloating/swelling or increasing diarrhoea particularly if this contains blood

 

Frequent side effects of diarrhoea

 

  • being sick (vomiting)
  • stomach cramps
  • feeling sick (nausea)
  • tiredness
  • stomach pains
  • flatulence (passing wind)
  • indigestion
  • drowsiness
  • urinary retention (unable to pass urine)
  • rash
  • itching
  • skin lesions
  • Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (serious illness with blistering of the skin, mouth, eyes and genitals)
  • toxic epidermal necrolysis (serious illness with blistering of the skin)
  • necrotising enterocolitis (serious inflammation of the bowel)
  • megacolon including toxic megacolon (abnormal enlargement of the intestines)
  • dry mouth

 

Side effects reported with greater frequency

 

  • constipation
  • dizziness

 

If any of the side effects listed become serious or you notice any side effects not listed, please contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Keep out of the reach and sight of children.

Store in the original container in order to protect from moisture.

Do not use these capsules after the expiry date shown on the outside packaging.

Return all unused medicines to your pharmacist for safe disposal.

 
Ingredients

The active ingredient in Loperamide Capsules is: Loperamide hydrochloride 2 mg per capsule.

The other ingredients are: lactose monohydrate, microcrystalline cellulose, maize starch, colloidal anhydrous silica, purified talc, magnesium stearate. The capsule is made up of gelatin, water, sodium lauryl sulfate, patent blue V (E131), quinoline yellow (E104), brilliant blue FCF (E133), iron oxide red (E172) and titanium dioxide (E171). The printing ink contains shellac (E904), propylene glycol (E1520), black iron oxide (E172) and potassium hydroxide (E525).

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