Pack of Loperamide Hydrochloride capsules front view

Loperamide Hydrochloride 2mg Capsules Pack of 6

£0.95
£0.16 per capsule

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Experience effective and rapid relief from both acute and IBS-related diarrhoea with Loperamide Hydrochloride 2mg Capsules Pack of 6. These capsules, containing the active ingredient loperamide hydrochloride, are designed to slow down an overactive bowel, helping your body absorb more water and salts to reduce the frequency and urgency of loose stools.

Description

When diarrhoea strikes, it can be disruptive and uncomfortable. Loperamide Hydrochloride 2mg Capsules Pack of 6 contain the active ingredient loperamide hydrochloride, which is specifically designed to manage and reduce symptoms of both sudden, short-term (acute) diarrhoea and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) diarrhoea, if previously diagnosed by a doctor.

How Loperamide Hydrochloride Works

Loperamide hydrochloride is an opioid-receptor agonist that acts directly on the gut. It works by:

  • Slowing Bowel Movements: It reduces the speed at which waste moves through your intestines. This allows more time for your body to reabsorb fluids and salts.
  • Reducing Urgency & Frequency: By normalising the bowel's activity, it helps to lessen the urgent need to use the toilet and decreases the number of loose bowel movements.

These capsules are suitable for adults and children aged 12 years and over for acute diarrhoea, and for adults aged 18 years and over with doctor-diagnosed IBS diarrhoea. At Weldricks Pharmacy, we provide effective and accessible healthcare solutions, ensuring you can manage everyday health concerns with confidence.

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

Always take this medicine exactly as described in this leaflet or as your pharmacist has told you. If you are not sure how to take this medicine, please ask your pharmacist for help.

For oral administration.

Swallow the capsules whole with a drink.

Short-term diarrhoea:

  • Adults and children over 12 years: Take two capsules (4mg loperamide hydrochloride) initially, followed by one capsule (2mg loperamide hydrochloride) after each loose bowel movement.
  • Do not take more than six capsules (12mg loperamide hydrochloride) in any 24-hour period.
  • Do not take Loperamide Hydrochloride 2mg Capsules Pack of 6 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 (4mg loperamide hydrochloride) to start treatment. Take one capsule (2mg loperamide hydrochloride) 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 (12mg loperamide hydrochloride) 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. It is crucial to replace these by taking 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 (e.g., 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, your doctor or pharmacist may advise rehydration drinks, which provide the correct balance of water, salt, and sugar.
  • Avoid drinking very large amounts of plain water. Do not drink alcohol or milk.
  • Eat as soon as you feel like it, starting with foods 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 symptoms resolving, you should return to your normal diet.

If you take more Loperamide Hydrochloride 2mg 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. Symptoms of an overdose may include increased heart rate, irregular heartbeat, changes to your heartbeat (these can be potentially serious and life-threatening), muscle stiffness, uncoordinated movements, drowsiness, difficulty urinating, or weak breathing. Children react more strongly to large amounts of Loperamide Hydrochloride 2mg Capsules Pack of 6 than adults. If a child takes too much or shows any of the above symptoms, call a doctor immediately.

If you forget to take Loperamide Hydrochloride 2mg Capsules

Take this medicine only as you need it, following the dosage instructions carefully. If you forget a dose, take a dose after the next loose stool (bowel movement). Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.

Patient Information Leaflet
Warnings

Do not take Loperamide Hydrochloride 2mg Capsules Pack of 6 if:

  • You are allergic to loperamide hydrochloride or any of the other ingredients listed in this leaflet.
  • You need to keep your 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 (especially in children with severe dehydration).
  • You have inflammation or irritation of the bowel (e.g., diverticulosis, colitis, or bacterial enterocolitis caused by Salmonella, Shigella, or Campylobacter, which may cause watery or bloody diarrhoea).
  • You have symptoms of dysentery, which may include blood in your stools and a high temperature.
  • This medicine is not for children under 12 years of age (or under 18 for IBS patients).

Consult a doctor before use if you have a history of drug abuse; loperamide is an opioid and addiction is observed with opioids as a class.

Take special care with Loperamide Hydrochloride 2mg Capsules Pack of 6 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 and your stomach becomes swollen; stop taking the capsules immediately and contact your doctor.
  • You are aged 40 or over and it is some time since your last IBS attack, or your IBS symptoms are different this time.
  • You have recently passed blood from the bowel.
  • You are feeling sick or vomiting, have lost your appetite or lost weight.
  • You have difficulty or pain passing urine, or have a fever.
  • You have recently travelled abroad.
  • You have been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars.

Since persistent diarrhoea can be an indicator of potentially more serious conditions, Loperamide Hydrochloride 2mg Capsules Pack of 6 should not be used for prolonged periods of time without medical advice.

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

Important Interactions:

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any of the following medicines:

  • Co-trimoxazole (an antibiotic).
  • Quinidine (used for abnormal heart beat).
  • Ritonavir (used for HIV infection and AIDS).
  • Oral desmopressin (used for diabetes and bedwetting).
  • Itraconazole or ketoconazole (used for fungal infections).
  • Gemfibrozil (used for high cholesterol).

Pregnancy, Breast-feeding and Fertility:

If you are pregnant, think you are pregnant, or planning a pregnancy, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking this medicine. Do not take this medicine if you are breast-feeding, as small amounts may get into your milk. Talk to your doctor about a suitable treatment.

Driving and using machines:

This medicine may make you feel tired, dizzy, or sleepy, and you may feel less alert, faint, or pass out. If you are affected, do not drive or use machines.

Lactose warning:

Loperamide Hydrochloride 2mg Capsules Pack of 6 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.

Possible Side Effects:

Like all medicines, Loperamide Hydrochloride 2mg Capsules Pack of 6 can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Most are usually mild.

Seek immediate medical help (very rare side effects - may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people):

  • Allergic reactions (e.g., unexplained wheezing, shortness of breath, passing out, or swelling of face and throat).
  • Severe skin rashes (e.g., blistering or peeling skin).
  • Loss of consciousness, reduced level of consciousness (passing out, feeling faint, or less alert), uncoordinated movements.
  • Severe tummy pains with bloating/swelling, or increasing diarrhoea, particularly if it contains blood.
  • Upper abdominal pain, abdominal pain that radiates to back, tenderness when touching the abdomen, fever, rapid pulse, nausea, vomiting, which may be symptoms of inflammation of the pancreas (acute pancreatitis).

Talk to a doctor as soon as possible (uncommon/rare side effects):

  • Itchiness or hives.
  • Stomach pain or swollen stomach.
  • Difficulties passing water.
  • Severe constipation.
  • Miosis (narrowing of the pupils of the eye).

Other Common effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 people):

Other Uncommon effects (may affect up to 1 in 100 people):

Other Rare effects (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people):

  • Tiredness.

If any of the side effects listed become serious or you notice any side effects not listed, please contact your doctor or pharmacist. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard.

Storage and Disposal:

Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children. Store below 25°C in the original package to protect from moisture. Do not use after the expiry date shown on the packaging. Return all unused medicines to your pharmacist for safe disposal to help protect the environment.

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).

Product Information Leaflet
View the leaflet

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