Loperamide

Loperamide slows down the bowel to treat diarrhoea. It can also help with long-term diarrhoea in conditions such as IBS.

Type of medicine

Antidiarrhoeal medicine

Also known as

Imodium, Diocalm

Comes as

capsules, tablets, orodispersible tablets, liquid

How you get it

Some forms from shops and pharmacies without a prescription

What it is used for

Short-term diarrhoea
Long-term diarrhoea, including in IBS with diarrhoea (IBS-D)
Reducing output from an ileostomy

Read our guides:

Off-label uses

Doctors sometimes prescribe a medicine for a condition it is not officially licensed for. This is called off-label use. It is legal and common when there is good evidence it helps, and your doctor should explain why they are suggesting it.

Loperamide is not commonly used off-label.

How it works

Loperamide acts on opioid receptors in the gut wall. It slows the movement of the bowel so more water is absorbed, making poo firmer and less frequent. It does not act on the brain at normal doses.

Side effects

Like all medicines, Loperamide can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Many are mild and ease after the first few weeks.

Common side effects

constipation
wind
stomach cramps
feeling sick
headache
dizziness

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if these bother you or do not go away.

Serious side effects

These are rare. Call 111 or contact your doctor straight away if you get:

a swollen, painful tummy, especially with a high temperature
a fast or irregular heartbeat or fainting, which can happen with very high doses

Call 999 if you have signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as swelling of your lips, mouth, throat or tongue, or trouble breathing.

You can report any side effect to the Yellow Card scheme, run by the medicines regulator.

Stopping and withdrawal

Important safety information

Do not use it if you have blood in your poo or a high temperature, unless a doctor advises it.
Do not use it during a flare of ulcerative colitis unless your specialist agrees.
Never take more than the recommended dose. Very high doses can cause serious heart problems.
Not for children under 12 unless prescribed.

Questions about your medicine?

A pharmacist can answer questions about your medicines for free, without an appointment. You can also ask your GP for a medication review. Check if you can get free prescriptions.