Loperamide Hydrochloride 2mg Capsules is used in addition to rehydration therapy to treat sudden, short-lived (acute) attacks of diarrhoea, including sudden flare-ups of long-lasting (chronic) diarrhoea, for up to 5 days, in adults and children over 4 years of age.

Almus Loperamide Hydrochloride 2mg Capsules are also used to treat long-lasting (chronic) diarrhoea in adults.

Substitution: We try to use the same manufacturer for each generic product, but we will substitute equivalent products from another manufacturer if there is a supply problem.

Loperamide Hydrochloride 2mg Capsules Directions:

Follow your doctor's directions about when and how to take your medicine. Your pharmacist may also help you if you are not sure about anything.

Please swallow the correct number of capsules whole with some liquid.

Acute Diarrhoea:

Adults and children over 12 years: Take 2 capsules to begin with and then 1 capsule after each episode of diarrhoea for up to 5 days. The usual dosage is 3 to 4 capsules a day.  Never take more than  8 capsules in any 24 hour period.

Children aged 9-12 years: Take 1 capsule 4 times daily until diarrhoea is controlled or for up to 5 days.  Never take more than this dose.

Children aged 4-8 years: Loperamide Hydrochloride 2mg Capsules are not suitable for children under 9 years.

If your symptoms are not getting better within 5 days of treatment with Loperamide Hydrochloride 2mg Capsules you should see your doctor.  Since persistent diarrhoea can be an indicator of potentially more serious conditions, Loperamide Hydrochloride 2mg Capsules should not be used for prolonged periods until the underlying cause of diarrhoea has been investigated.

Chronic Diarrhoea:

Adults only:  The doctor will tell you how many capsules to take.  The initial dose will probably be between 2 and 4 capsules per day taken in divided doses, but will depend on each individuals needs.   When the doctor is satisfied that you are receiving the daily dose that best suits you,  he or she will probably suggest that the frequency at which you take the capsules is twice a day.  Never take more than 8 capsules in any 24 hour period.

Use in elderly: As for Adults.

If you take too many capsules, contact your doctor or local hospital without delay. 

Each Loperamide Hydrochloride 2mg Capsule contains active ingredient:

• Loperamide hydrochloride 2mg

The capsules also contain the inactive ingredients: lactose, maize starch, talc, magnesium stearate, gelatine and the colouring agents orange yellow S (E 110), erythrosine (E 127), patent blue (E 131), indigotine (E 132), titanium dioxide (E 171).

Before taking Loperamide Hydrochloride 2mg

• Do not give Loperamide Hydrochloride 2mg Capsules to children who are less than 9 years of age.
• Do not give the medicine to children who have severe dehydration and abdominal distention (bloated tummy).
• Do not use Loperamide Hydrochloride 2mg Capsules alone in acute dysentery, the symptoms of which may include blood in your stools and a high temperature.
• If you are allergic to loperamide or to any of the inactive ingredients of Loperamide Hydrochloride 2mg Capsules, you should tell your doctor or pharmacist.

Before taking Loperamide Hydrochloride 2mg Capsules ask yourself the following questions. If you answer yes to any of these questions or you are not sure, consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking Loperamide Hydrochloride 2mg Capsules.

• Has my doctor told me that I am constipated, have severe intestinal obstruction (ileus) or bloated stomach (abdominal distension)?
• Do I have acute ulcerative colitis or pseudomembranous colitis caused by broad spectrum antibiotics?

Special precautions:

If you suffer from liver disease, tell your doctor before taking any Loperamide Hydrochloride 2mg Capsules. You may need to be more closely supervised during treatment and the dosage may need to be altered.

Loperamide Hydrochloride 2mg Capsules only treat the symptoms of diarrhoea. When you have diarrhoea, your body loses large amounts of fluid and salts. You should therefore replace this lost fluid by taking more liquids than you normally would, but avoiding excessive amounts of plain water. This is especially important for children.

Pregnancy: if you are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant, you should talk to your doctor who will decide if you can take Loperamide Hydrochloride 2mg Capsules.

Breast feeding: as small amounts of this medicine get  into your milk, you should only take Loperamide Hydrochloride 2mg Capsules while breast feeding after your doctor has advised you can do so.

Side effects:

• This medicine sometimes causes side effects such as nausea, vomiting, tiredness, drowsiness, dizziness, constipation and dry mouth.
• There may be an allergic reaction like skin rash, including urticaria (itching).
• Severe bloated tummy, stoppage of bowel activity or abdominal cramps have occasionally been reported.

If this should occur, stop taking Loperamide Hydrochloride 2mg Capsules and contact your doctor for advice.

If your medicine affects you in any other way, you should tell your doctor or pharmacist.