Loperamide slows the rhythm of digestion so that the small intestines have more time to absorb fluid and nutrients from the foods you eat.

Loperamide is used to treat diarrhea. Loperamide is also used to reduce the amount of stool in people who have an ileostomy (re-routing of the bowel through a surgical opening in the stomach).

Loperamide may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to loperamide, or if you have stools that are bloody, black, or tarry, or if you have diarrhea that is caused by taking an antibiotic.

Before taking loperamide, tell your doctor if you have a fever, mucus in your stools, a history of liver disease, or if you are taking an antibiotic.

Drink plenty of liquids while you are taking loperamide.

It may take up to 48 hours before your symptoms improve. Keep using the medication as directed and tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 10 days of treatment.

Loperamide may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to loperamide, or if you have:

• stools that are bloody, black, or tarry; or

• if you have diarrhea that is caused by taking an antibiotic.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to take this medicine if you have:

• a fever;

• mucus in your stools;

• a history of liver disease; or

• if you are taking an antibiotic.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether loperamide will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.

Loperamide can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are using loperamide.

Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice.