Loperamide is an antidiarrhoeal (antidiarrheal) medication used to control acute (sudden) diarrhoea it works by slowing the movement of bowel content so you can get on with your day. Diarrhoea can start quite suddenly but doesn’t usually last for many days. Diarrhoea is usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection, food poisoning or foreign travel.

It is important that you read and fully understand the Patient Information Leaflet before purchasing this item.

How to use

Do not take this medicine if:

• you suffer from colitis (inflammation of the colon) or any other inflammatory bowel disease
• you have bacterial enterocolitis (symptoms may include watery or bloody diarrhoea)
• you have a swollen stomach or tummy, and/or constipation
• you are allergic to any of the ingredients listed
• you are suffering from dysentery with blood in your stools and a high temperature
• it is for a child aged under 12.

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking this medicine if:

• you suffer from liver or kidney problems, including difficulty in urinating
• you have severe and persistent diarrhoea and vomiting
• you have diarrhoea that lasts for more than 24 hours
• you suffer from severe diarrhoea as your body loses more fluid, sugars and salts than normal.

If you have AIDS and your stomach becomes swollen, stop taking the capsules immediately and contact your doctor.

Usage

Always take this medicine exactly as described in this leaflet or as your doctor or pharmacist have told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.

Adults, the elderly and children over 12 years

How to take: The capsules should be swallowed whole with a drink of water.

Dose and how often to take:

After the first loose stool (bowel motion) take 2 capsules with water. After each further loose stool, take 1 capsule.

• Rehydration sachets are available separately.
• Do not give to children under 12 years of age.
• Do not take more than 6 capsules in any 24 hours.
• Do not take the capsules for more than 24 hours unless advised by a doctor.
• If symptoms persist for more than 24 hours consult your doctor.
• Replace lost fluid by drinking more liquid than usual.
• DO NOT EXCEED THE STATED DOSE.

If you take more medicine than you should, contact your doctor or nearest Accident

and Emergency department taking this leaflet with you.

If you forget to take this medicine

You should only take this medicine as you need it, following the dosage instructions above carefully. If you forget to take a dose, take a dose after the next loose stool (bowel movement).

Do not take a double dose.

Swallow each tablet with plenty of water.

What Loperamide Capsules contain:
Active ingredient:
Loperamide Hydrochloride 2mg

Other ingredients:
Lactose, Maize Starch, Talc, Magnesium Stearate, Gelatin, Quinoline Yellow (E104), Erythrosine
(E127), Patent Blue (E131) and Titanium Dioxide (E171).

Other medicines and this medicine
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or have recently taken or might take any other medicines including medicines obtained without prescription and especially:
Ritonavir (used to treat HIV)
Quinidine (used to treat abnormal heart rhythms or malaria)
Oral desmopressin (used to treat excessive urination)
Itraconazole or ketoconazole (used to treat fungal infections)
Gemfibrozil (used to treat high cholesterol).

Pregnancy or breast-feeding

• If you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking this medicine.
• If you are breast-feeding do not take this medicine. 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 dizzy, tired or sleepy. You may feel less alert, feel faint or pass out. If you are affected do not drive or use machines.

This medicine contains lactose
The capsules contain lactose; if you have been told by your doctor that you have
an intolerance to some sugars, contact your doctor before taking this medicine.

Possible side effects
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.

Serious side effects
Rare: (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people)
Stop taking this medicine and see your doctor immediately if you experience any of these serious
side effects:

• Allergic reactions including unexplained wheezing, shortness of breath, passing out or swelling of face and throat
• Skin rashes, which may be severe and include blistering or peeling skin
• Loss of consciousness or reduced level of consciousness (passing out, feeling faint or less alert), uncoordinated movements.

Other side effects

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

• Feeling sick, constipation or wind
• Headache.

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

• Dizziness or drowsiness
• Abdominal pain or discomfort
• Abdominal pain upper
• Dry mouth
• Vomiting
• Indigestion

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

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

Reporting of side effects

If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side
effects not listed here You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at:

www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard

By reporting side affects you can help provide more information on the safety of this product.
Other Information
If you need more advice consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.