Loperamide Hydrochloride 2mg Diarrhoea Treatment 30 Capsules

What are loperamide hydrochloride capsules? 

Loperamide hydrochloride is a diarrhoea treatment that treats sudden, short-term attacks of diarrhoea. It can also be used to treat diarrhoea caused by irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). 

What causes diarrhoea?

Short-term diarrhoea is common and can easily be relieved with diarrhoea treatment. Whilst unpleasant, it isn’t usually anything to worry about. Possible causes of short-term diarrhoea attacks include: 

• Food allergy 

• Food intolerance

• A viral infection, such as norovirus

• A bacterial infection, such as E.coli 

For some people, these attacks can be more frequent due to chronic conditions and therefore diarrhoea treatment is needed more often. These conditions can include: 

• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

• Inflammatory bowel disorders, such as Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis 

• Coeliac disease

How do loperamide capsules work? 

These capsules contain 2mg of the active ingredient loperamide hydrochloride. Loperamide capsules work as an effective diarrhoea treatment by slowing down the muscle movements in your bowel, thus making it easier for your body to absorb fluids properly and relieve diarrhoea. 

Why do I need to answer questions to buy this product?

You do not need a prescription for these loperamide capsules, however, you will be asked to complete a short medical questionnaire by your Chemist4U pharmacist before we can take your order. This includes some simple questions that all pharmacies legally are required to ask before supplying this kind of product. This helps our pharmacy team to be sure that these loperamide capsules are the best choice for you.

What is the recommended dosage? 

For adults and children over 12, the recommended dosage for loperamide 2mg capsules is two capsules to start treatment, followed by one tablet after each loose bowel movement. You must not take loperamide capsules for diarrhoea attacks that last longer than 48 hours, and you must not take more than 6 capsules in a 24 hour period.

If you are an adult with IBS that has been diagnosed by your doctor, you may take loperamide capsules for up to 2 weeks, however you must not exceed the stated dose, take for an attack that lasts longer than 48 hours, or take more than 6 capsules in one day. 

Who should take loperamide capsules?

Most adults and children over 12 are safe to take loperamide capsules as a diarrhoea treatment. However, this medicine should not be taken if: 

• You are allergic any of the ingredients of this medicine

• You have severe diarrhoea after taking antibiotics

• You are having a flare-up of an inflammatory bowel condition like ulcerative colitis

• You are constipated, or your stomach appears swollen

• You have acute dysentery, the symptoms of which may include blood in your stools and a high temperature

Speak to your doctor or Chemist4U pharmacist before taking loperamide capsules if you have AIDS, liver disease, diarrhoea that is severe or lasts for more than 48 hours, if you have been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars, or if you take any of the following prescribed medicines: 

• Ritonavir (used to treat HIV)

• Quinidine (used to treat abnormal heart rhythms or malaria)

• Oral desmopressin (used to treat excessive urination)

• Itraconazole or ketoconazole (used to treat fungal infections)

• Gemfibrozil (used to treat high cholesterol). 

Are these capsules suitable for children?

No, loperamide is not suitable for children. For advice or information regarding diarrhoea treatment for children, please contact your doctor or Chemist4U pharmacist. 

Can I take loperamide if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

Loperamide capsules are not suitable when breastfeeding, as small amounts of the drug may get into your milk. If you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or are trying to become pregnant, speak to your doctor or Chemist4U pharmacist before taking loperamide. 

Can I drive when taking loperamide? 

There is a chance that loperamide could make you feel drowsy, sleepy or dizzy. If you are experiencing any of these effects, you should not drive or use machinery. 

What are the side effects? 

As with all medicines, there is a chance you may experience some mild side effects when taking loperamide for diarrhoea treatment. These can include: 

• Feeling sick

• Constipation 

• Wind

• Headache

Other side effects are possible but are usually uncommon or rare. For information or advice regarding these side effects, please review the patient information leaflet or consult a Chemist4U pharmacist.

More Information

This product is a medicine; make sure to speak to your doctor or Chemist 4 U pharmacist before taking this product if you have an underlying medical problem or are taking any other medicine or complementary therapy. If your symptoms get worse or continue after taking this product, contact us or your doctor. For medical services in your area, please refer to https://www.nhs.uk

If you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, speak to your doctor or our pharmacist before taking this product. If you suffer from any allergies, ask your doctor or our pharmacist if this medicine is right for you.

Store all medicines out of sight and reach of children.

Please read the included leaflet carefully before using this product.

Please contact your GP if appropriate regarding this product.

 

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