Side effects
The most common side effects of treatment with loperamide include headache, constipation and dizziness in about one to ten percent of cases. Nausea and flatulence may also occur.
Interactions
Loperamide can interact with various drugs. These include quinidine, which is used in the treatment of cardiac arrhythmia, and verapamil, which is used to treat cardiovascular disease. In addition, concomitant use of loperamide and ketoconazole, which fights fungal infections, should be avoided.
Ritonavir is used in the treatment of HIV and may cause adverse effects in combination with loperamide. The consumption of alcohol while taking loperamide should be avoided. Loperamide should not be taken during pregnancy.
So far there are not sufficient data available. As in pregnancy, it is not recommended to take Loperamide while breastfeeding. The active ingredient passes into breast milk and can be absorbed by the infant while breastfeeding.
Loperamide 2 mg
Loperamide is available in commercially available preparations in a dosage of 2 mg. These are usually hard capsules or film-coated tablets containing the active ingredient loperamide hydrochloride in the stated dosage. One package contains 12 capsules or tablets which can be taken without a prescription. This corresponds to the maximum dosage for two days.
Dose
The dose of loperamide depends on the severity of the diarrhea. Adults with acute diarrhea take two tablets or capsules at the beginning of treatment, each containing 2 mg of the active ingredient. If the stool remains liquid, another 2 mg of loperamide can be administered orally.
The daily dose should not exceed 12 mg, i.e. 6 tablets or capsules. If the diarrhea persists after two days despite taking loperamide, a visit to the doctor is recommended. Continued treatment with loperamide should only be given on medical advice.
Children may be treated with loperamide from the age of 12 years.Up to the age of 18 the dosage varies. In case of acute diarrhea, only one tablet or capsule is taken at the beginning. After each subsequent liquid stool, 2 mg can be swallowed repeatedly. The maximum daily dose is 4 mg.
