The active ingredient in these capsules is Loperamide hydrochloride, containing 2 mg of it in each capsule. This chemical belongs to a class of medicines called ‘antidiarrhoeals’, which are widely used for the treatment of diarrhoea. Lactose, povidone, maize starch, sodium starch glycolate, titanium dioxide and magnesium stearate are its other ingredients.
Do not take Loperamide in case you are allergic to the above ingredients of the capsule, have constipation, irritation or inflammation of the bowel, dysentery or severe diarrhoea caused by antibiotics. Doctor has to be consulted before taking this medicine if you have AIDS, kidney or liver problems, are suffering from bowel problems or are taking any alternate medication.
When the following side effects are experienced, stop taking the drug and contact your doctor immediately - Allergic reactions causing swelling of face, lips and throat - Serious inflammation of the bowel - Abnormal enlargement of the intestines - Fever, sore throat accompanied by intense skin rash, lesions on body, and ulcers
The doctor must be consulted if any of the following side-effects become severe.
Common - Headache - Drowsiness - Indigestion - Constipation - Nausea - Abdominal pain - Dry mouth
Rare - Swollen stomach - Urinary retention - Stomach cramps
It is recommended to take your doctor’s instructions before taking Loperamide capsules. The capsule must be taken orally, by swallowing them with a glass of water.
The usual starting dose in adults for acute diarrhoea is two capsules. For up to 24 hours following the initial dose, one capsule may be taken after each period of diarrhoea. The initial dose in children over 12 years of age can be one capsule.
The medicine can be taken for up to 48 hours. In case the problem persists, contact your doctor after stopping the medicine.
In any case, the maximum dosage in any 24-hour period should not exceed six capsules.
In the case of an accidental overdose, your doctor must be contacted immediately or the person may be rushed to an emergency of any nearby hospital immediately.
If a dose is missed, take it immediately after you remember it. A double dose should not be taken to compensate for the missed dose.
Loperamide capsule releases its active ingredient, Loperamide hydrochloride, which belongs to a class of medicines called ‘antidiarrhoeals’. This medicine acts on the muscle cells of the intestinal walls and increases the time for which substances stay in the intestines. This allows more water and salts to be absorbed from the bowel. In effect, the overactive bowel is slowed down considerably, arresting the symptoms of diarrhoea. Even sudden acute cases of diarrhoea can be treated using Loperamide in adults and children above 12 years of age.
