Loperamide Hydrochloride
Loperamide Hydrochloride is an antidiarrheal agent that slows intestinal motility by affecting water and electrolyte movement through the bowel. It binds to the opiate receptor in the gut wall, reducing peristalsis and increasing transit time, thereby increasing stool viscosity and density.
Dosage by Body Weight
For adults: 4 mg initially, followed by 2 mg after each unformed stool, up to a maximum of 8 mg per day for self-medication (OTC) or 16 mg per day under medical supervision. Not recommended for children under 2 years of age due to risks of respiratory depression and serious cardiovascular adverse effects.
- Body Weight
- Below 5 kg
- Dose
- Contraindicated
- Frequency
- Do not use
- Tracking Notes
- Strictly contraindicated in children under 2 years of age due to risk of serious adverse effects like paralytic ileus and respiratory depression.
- Body Weight
- 5-7 kg
- Dose
- Contraindicated
- Frequency
- Do not use
- Tracking Notes
- Strictly contraindicated in infants and toddlers.
- Body Weight
- 8-10 kg
- Dose
- Contraindicated
- Frequency
- Do not use
- Tracking Notes
- Not recommended. Consult a pediatrician for alternative rehydration therapies.
- Body Weight
- 11-15 kg
- Dose
- 1 mg (for children aged 2 to 5 years)
- Frequency
- Three times daily on day 1
- Tracking Notes
- Use only under medical supervision. Subsequent doses should be 1 mg after a loose stool, not to exceed 3 mg/day.
- Body Weight
- 16-20 kg
- Dose
- 2 mg (for children aged 6 to 8 years)
- Frequency
- Twice daily on day 1
- Tracking Notes
- Subsequent doses should be 1 mg after each loose stool, not to exceed 4 mg/day.
| Body Weight | Dose | Frequency | Tracking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5 kg | Contraindicated | Do not use | Strictly contraindicated in children under 2 years of age due to risk of serious adverse effects like paralytic ileus and respiratory depression. |
| 5-7 kg | Contraindicated | Do not use | Strictly contraindicated in infants and toddlers. |
| 8-10 kg | Contraindicated | Do not use | Not recommended. Consult a pediatrician for alternative rehydration therapies. |
| 11-15 kg | 1 mg (for children aged 2 to 5 years) | Three times daily on day 1 | Use only under medical supervision. Subsequent doses should be 1 mg after a loose stool, not to exceed 3 mg/day. |
| 16-20 kg | 2 mg (for children aged 6 to 8 years) | Twice daily on day 1 | Subsequent doses should be 1 mg after each loose stool, not to exceed 4 mg/day. |
Formulation
Purpose
Used for the control and symptomatic relief of acute nonspecific diarrhea and chronic diarrhea associated with inflammatory bowel disease. Also used to reduce the volume of discharge from ileostomies.
Generic Name
Loperamide HydrochlorideBranded Drug Names
Loperamide Hydrochloride is listed as a generic drug name. Common branded medicines that may contain the same active ingredient include:
Scheduled Drug
No. This medicine is generally not treated as a scheduled/prescription-only drug in common consumer references, but local rules may vary.