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Important: This site presents data from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). A report does not mean the drug caused the event. Full disclaimer.

LOPERAMIDE: 18,011 Adverse Event Reports & Safety Profile

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18,011
Total FAERS Reports
1,551 (8.6%)
Deaths Reported
4,298
Hospitalizations
18,011
As Primary/Secondary Suspect
1,049
Life-Threatening
107
Disabilities
Approved Prior to Jan 1, 1982
FDA Approved
Chain Drug Consortium
Manufacturer
Discontinued
Status
Yes
Generic Available

Active Ingredient: LOPERAMIDE HYDROCHLORIDE · Drug Class: Opioid Agonist [EPC] · Route: ORAL · Manufacturer: Chain Drug Consortium · FDA Application: 017690 · HUMAN OTC DRUG · FDA Label: Available

First Report: 19810922 · Latest Report: 20250825

What Are the Most Common LOPERAMIDE Side Effects?

#1 Most Reported
Drug ineffective
3,207 reports (17.8%)
#2 Most Reported
Diarrhoea
1,909 reports (10.6%)
#3 Most Reported
Constipation
1,614 reports (9.0%)

All LOPERAMIDE Side Effects by Frequency

Side Effect Reports % of Total Deaths Hosp.
Drug ineffective 3,207 17.8% 34 433
Diarrhoea 1,909 10.6% 86 577
Constipation 1,614 9.0% 32 419
Off label use 1,378 7.7% 56 449
Incorrect dose administered 1,178 6.5% 7 41
Drug abuse 1,088 6.0% 368 581
Nausea 997 5.5% 29 465
Intentional product use issue 871 4.8% 14 23
Overdose 857 4.8% 159 389
Toxicity to various agents 753 4.2% 437 337
Vomiting 703 3.9% 40 322
Somnolence 653 3.6% 15 413
Expired product administered 622 3.5% 1 4
Electrocardiogram qt prolonged 609 3.4% 64 480
Intentional product misuse 606 3.4% 88 178
Malaise 601 3.3% 10 330
Intentional overdose 591 3.3% 44 450
Abdominal pain 585 3.3% 19 313
Fatigue 577 3.2% 17 170
Weight decreased 576 3.2% 14 313

Who Reports LOPERAMIDE Side Effects? Age & Gender Data

Gender: 64.3% female, 35.7% male. Average age: 58.9 years. Most reports from: US. View detailed demographics →

Is LOPERAMIDE Getting Safer? Reports by Year

YearReportsDeathsHosp.
2000 20 2 3
2001 14 9 9
2002 3 0 0
2003 11 1 4
2004 32 15 8
2005 13 6 2
2006 10 2 4
2007 8 0 1
2008 26 0 3
2009 24 1 14
2010 9 1 4
2011 44 2 33
2012 56 1 30
2013 153 8 24
2014 273 13 87
2015 533 24 131
2016 644 38 136
2017 758 56 192
2018 663 63 185
2019 579 55 183
2020 480 86 170
2021 457 12 115
2022 520 17 111
2023 625 49 194
2024 589 26 234
2025 183 7 60

View full timeline →

What Is LOPERAMIDE Used For?

IndicationReports
Diarrhoea 7,800
Product used for unknown indication 6,382
Irritable bowel syndrome 541
Prophylaxis against diarrhoea 218
Prophylaxis 186
Drug abuse 155
Drug withdrawal syndrome 128
Suicide attempt 109
Antidiarrhoeal supportive care 102
Crohn's disease 96

LOPERAMIDE vs Alternatives: Which Is Safer?

LOPERAMIDE vs LOPINAVIR LOPERAMIDE vs LOPINAVIR\RITONAVIR LOPERAMIDE vs LOPRAZOLAM LOPERAMIDE vs LORATADINE LOPERAMIDE vs LORATADINE\PSEUDOEPHEDRINE LOPERAMIDE vs LORAZEPAM LOPERAMIDE vs LORCASERIN LOPERAMIDE vs LORLATINIB LOPERAMIDE vs LORMETAZEPAM LOPERAMIDE vs LORNOXICAM

Other Drugs in Same Class: Opioid Agonist [EPC]

Official FDA Label for LOPERAMIDE

Official prescribing information from the FDA-approved drug label.

Drug Description

DESCRIPTION Loperamide hydrochloride, 4-(p-chlorophenyl)-4-hydroxy-N,N-dimethyl-a,adiphenyl-1-piperidinebutyramide monohydrochloride, is a synthetic antidiarrheal for oral use. The molecular formula for loperamide hydrochloride, USP is C 29 H 33 ClN 2 O 2 HCl, with a molecular weight of 513.50. The structural formula is: Loperamide hydrochloride, USP is available in 2 mg capsules. Loperamide hydrochloride capsules, USP contain the following inactive ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, lactose monohydrate, microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate, and sodium starch glycolate. The hard-capsule shell is composed of gelatin, sodium lauryl sulfate, and titanium dioxide. The capsules are printed with black ink composed of black iron oxide, potassium hydroxide, propylene glycol, and shellac.

Loperamide Hydrochloride Structural

Formula

FDA Approved Uses (Indications)

INDICATIONS & USAGE Loperamide Hydrochloride Capsules (loperamide hydrochloride) is indicated for the control and symptomatic relief of acute nonspecific diarrhea in patients 2 years of age and older and of chronic diarrhea in adults associated with inflammatory bowel disease.

Loperamide Hydrochloride

Capsules is also indicated for reducing the volume of discharge from ileostomies.

Dosage & Administration

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Loperamide hydrochloride capsules are contraindicated in pediatric patients less than 2 years of age due to the risks of respiratory depression and serious cardiac adverse reactions (see CONTRAINDICATIONS ). Avoid loperamide hydrochloride capsules dosages higher than recommended in adult or pediatric patients 2 years of age and older due to the risk of serious cardiac adverse reactions (See WARNINGS and OVERDOSAGE ). (1 capsule = 2 mg) Patients should receive appropriate fluid and electrolyte replacement as needed.

Acute Diarrhea

Adults and Pediatric Patients 13 Years and Older: The recommended initial dose is 4 mg (two capsules) followed by 2 mg (one capsule) after each unformed stool. The maximum daily dose is 16 mg (eight capsules). Clinical improvement is usually observed within 48 hours.

Pediatric Patients

2 years to 12 Years of Age : In pediatric patients 2 years to 5 years of age (20 kg or less), the non-prescription liquid formulation of loperamide (1 mg/5 mL) should be used; for ages 6 to 12, either loperamide hydrochloride capsules or non-prescription liquid formulation of loperamide may be used. For pediatric patients 2 years to 12 years of age, the following schedule for capsules or liquid will usually fulfill initial dosage requirements: Recommended First Day Dosage Schedule Two to five years (13 kg to 20 kg): 1 mg three times daily (3 mg total daily dosage) Six to eight years (20 kg to 30 kg): 2 mg twice daily (4 mg total daily dosage) Eight to twelve years (greater than 30 kg): 2 mg three times daily (6 mg total daily dosage)

Recommended Subsequent Daily Dosage

Following the first treatment day, it is recommended that subsequent loperamide hydrochloride capsules doses (1 mg/10 kg body weight) be administered only after a loose stool. The total daily dosage should not exceed recommended dosages for the first day.

Chronic Diarrhea Adults

The recommended initial dose is 4 mg (two capsules) followed by 2 mg (one capsule) after each unformed stool until diarrhea is controlled, after which the dosage of loperamide hydrochloride capsules should be reduced to meet individual requirements. When the optimal daily dosage has been established, this amount may then be administered as a single dose or in divided doses. The average daily maintenance dosage in clinical trials was 4 mg to 8 mg (two to four capsules per day). The maximum daily dosage is 16 mg (eight capsules per day). If clinical improvement is not observed after treatment with 16 mg per day for at least 10 days, symptoms are unlikely to be controlled by further administration. Loperamide hydrochloride capsules administration may be continued if diarrhea cannot be adequately controlled with diet or specific treatment. Elderly No formal pharmacokinetic studies were conducted in elderly subjects. However, there were no major differences reported in the drug disposition in elderly patients with diarrhea relative to young patients. No dose adjustment is required for the elderly. In general, elderly patients may be more susceptible to drug-associated effects of the QT interval. Avoid loperamide hydrochloride capsules in elderly patients taking drugs that can result in prolongation of the QT interval (for example, Class IA or III antiarrhythmics) or in patients with risk factors for Torsades de Pointes (see WARNINGS ).

Renal

Impairment No pharmacokinetic data are available in patients with renal impairment. Since the metabolites and the unchanged drug are mainly excreted in the feces, no dosage adjustment is required for patients with renal impairment (see PRECAUTIONS ).

Hepatic Impairment

The pharmacokinetics of loperamide have not been studied in patients with hepatic impairment. Use loperamide hydrochloride capsules with caution in such patients because the systemic exposure may be increased due to reduced metabolism (see PRECAUTIONS ).

Contraindications

CONTRAINDICATIONS Loperamide hydrochloride capsules are contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to loperamide hydrochloride or to any of the excipients. Loperamide hydrochloride is contraindicated in patients with abdominal pain in the absence of diarrhea. Loperamide hydrochloride is not recommended in infants below 24 months of age. Loperamide hydrochloride should not be used as the primary therapy: in patients with acute dysentery, which is characterized by blood in stools and high fever, in patients with acute ulcerative colitis, in patients with bacterial enterocolitis caused by invasive organisms including Salmonella, Shigella, and Campylobacter, in patients with pseudomembranous colitis associated with the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics.

Known Adverse Reactions

ADVERSE REACTIONS Clinical Trial Experience The adverse effects reported during clinical investigations of loperamide hydrochloride are difficult to distinguish from symptoms associated with the diarrheal syndrome. Adverse experiences recorded during clinical studies with loperamide hydrochloride were generally of a minor and self-limiting nature. They were more commonly observed during the treatment of chronic diarrhea. The adverse events reported are summarized irrespective of the causality assessment of the investigators. 1) Adverse events from 4 placebo-controlled studies in patients with acute diarrhea The adverse events with an incidence of 1.0% or greater, which were reported at least as often in patients on loperamide hydrochloride as on placebo, are presented in the table below.

Acute Diarrhea Loperamide Hydrochloride

Placebo No. of treated patients 231 236 Gastrointestinal AE% Constipation 2.6% 0.8% The adverse events with an incidence of 1.0% or greater, which were more frequently reported in patients on placebo than on loperamide hydrochloride, were: dry mouth, flatulence, abdominal cramp and colic. 2) Adverse events from 20 placebo-controlled studies in patients with chronic diarrhea The adverse events with an incidence of 1.0% or greater, which were reported at least as often in patients on loperamide hydrochloride as on placebo, are presented in the table below.

Chronic Diarrhea Loperamide Hydrochloride

Placebo No. of treated patients 285 277 Gastrointestinal AE% Constipation 5.3% 0.0% Central and peripheral nervous system AE% Dizziness 1.4% 0.7% The adverse events with an incidence of 1.0% or greater, which were more frequently reported in patients on placebo than on loperamide hydrochloride were: nausea, vomiting, headache, meteorism, abdominal pain, abdominal cramp and colic. 3) Adverse events from 76 controlled and uncontrolled studies in patients with acute or chronic diarrhea The adverse events with an incidence of 1.0% or greater in patients from all studies are given in the table below.

Acute Diarrhea Chronic Diarrhea All

Studies All patients in all studies, including those in which it was not specified if the adverse events occurred in patients with acute or chronic diarrhea. No. of treated patients 1,913 1,371 3,740 Gastrointestinal AE% Nausea 0.7% 3.2% 1.8% Constipation 1.6% 1.9% 1.7% Abdominal cramps 0.5% 3.0% 1.4% Postmarketing Experience The following adverse events have been reported: Cardiac disorders QT/QTc interval prolongation, Torsades de Pointes, other ventricular arrhythmias, cardiac arrest, syncope, and death (see WARNINGS and OVERDOSAGE ). S kin and subcutaneous tissue disorders Rash, pruritus, urticaria, angioedema, and extremely rare cases of bullous eruption including erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis have been reported with use of loperamide hydrochloride. Immune system disorders Isolated occurrences of allergic reactions and in some cases severe hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylactic shock and anaphylactoid reactions have been reported with the use of loperamide hydrochloride. Gastrointestinal disorders Dry mouth, abdominal pain, distention or discomfort, nausea, vomiting, flatulence, dyspepsia, constipation, paralytic ileus, megacolon; including toxic megacolon (see CONTRAINDICATIONS and WARNINGS ). Renal and urinary disorders Urinary retention Nervous system disorders Drowsiness, dizziness General disorders and administrative site conditions Tiredness A number of the adverse events reported during the clinical investigations and post-marketing experience with loperamide are frequent symptoms of the underlying diarrheal syndrome (abdominal pain/discomfort, nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, tiredness, drowsiness, dizziness, constipation, and flatulence). These symptoms are often difficult to distinguish from undesirable drug effects. To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Bionpharma Inc. at 1-888-235-BION or 1-888-235-2466 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

FDA Boxed Warning

BLACK BOX WARNING

WARNING: TORSADES DE POINTES AND SUDDEN DEATH Cases of Torsades de Pointes, cardiac arrest, and death have been reported with the use of a higher than recommended dosages of loperamide hydrochloride (see WARNINGS and OVERDOSAGE). Loperamide hydrochloride is contraindicated in pediatric patients less than 2 years of age (see CONTRAINDICATIONS). Avoid loperamide hydrochloride dosages higher than recommended in adults and pediatric patients 2 years of age and older due to the risk of serious cardiac adverse reactions (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).

Warnings

WARNINGS Cardiac Adverse Reactions, Including Torsades de Pointes and Sudden Death Cases of prolongation of the QT/QTc interval, Torsades de Pointes, other ventricular arrhythmias, cardiac arrest, some resulting in death, have been reported in adults with use of higher than recommended doses per day of loperamide hydrochloride capsules. Cases include patients who were abusing or misusing loperamide hydrochloride (see OVERDOSAGE and DRUG ABUSE AND DEPENDENCE ). Cases of syncope and ventricular tachycardia have been reported in adult patients receiving the recommended dosage of loperamide hydrochloride capsules. Some of these patients were taking other drugs or had other risk factors that may have increased their risk of cardiac adverse reactions. Additionally, postmarketing cases of cardiac arrest, syncope, and respiratory depression have been reported in pediatric patients less than 2 years of age. Loperamide hydrochloride capsules are contraindicated in pediatric patients less than 2 years of age due to the risks of respiratory depression and serious cardiac adverse reactions. Avoid loperamide hydrochloride capsules dosages higher than recommended in adults and pediatric patients 2 years of age and older due to the risk of serious cardiac adverse reactions (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION and OVERDOSAGE ). Avoid loperamide hydrochloride capsules in:

  • combination with others drugs or herbal products that are known to prolong the QT interval, including Class 1A (e.g., quinidine, procainamide) or Class III (e.g., amiodarone, sotalol) antiarrhythmics, antipsychotics (e.g., chlorpromazine, haloperidol, thioridazine, ziprasidone), antibiotics (e.g., moxifloxacin), or any other drug known to prolong the QT interval (e.g., pentamidine, levomethadyl acetate, methadone).
  • patients with risk factors for QT prolongation, including patients with congenital long QT syndrome, with a history of cardiac arrhythmias or other cardiac conditions, elderly patients and those with electrolyte abnormalities.

Dehydration

Fluid and electrolyte depletion often occur in patients who have diarrhea. In such cases, administration of appropriate fluid and electrolytes is very important. The use of loperamide hydrochloride capsules does not preclude the need for appropriate fluid and electrolyte therapy.

Gastrointestinal

Disorders In general, loperamide hydrochloride capsules should not be used when inhibition of peristalsis is to be avoided due to the possible risk of significant sequelae including ileus, megacolon and toxic megacolon. Loperamide hydrochloride capsules must be discontinued promptly when constipation, abdominal distention or ileus develop. Treatment of diarrhea with loperamide hydrochloride capsules is only symptomatic. Whenever an underlying etiology can be determined, specific treatment should be given when appropriate (or when indicated). Patients with AIDS treated with loperamide hydrochloride capsules for diarrhea should have therapy stopped at the earliest signs of abdominal distention. There have been isolated reports of toxic megacolon in AIDS patients with infectious colitis from both viral and bacterial pathogens treated with loperamide hydrochloride. Variability in Pediatric Response Loperamide hydrochloride capsules should be used with special caution in pediatric patients because of the greater variability of response in this age group. Dehydration, particularly in pediatric patients less than 6 years of age, may further influence the variability of response to loperamide hydrochloride capsules. Loperamide hydrochloride capsules are contraindicated in pediatric patients less than 2 years of age due to the risks of respiratory depression and serious cardiac adverse reactions.

Precautions

PRECAUTIONS GENERAL PRECAUTIONS Allergic Reactions Extremely rare allergic reactions including anaphylaxis and anaphylactic shock have been reported.

Hepatic Impairment

The effects of hepatic impairment on the pharmacokinetics of loperamide have not been studied.

Use Loperamide Hydrochloride

Capsules with caution in such patients because the systemic exposure to loperamide may be increased due to reduced metabolism. Monitor patients with hepatic impairment closely for signs of central nervous system (CNS) toxicity.

Renal

Impairment No pharmacokinetic data are available in patients with renal impairment. Since it has been reported that the majority of the drug is metabolized and metabolites or the unchanged drug are excreted mainly in the feces, dosage adjustments in patients with renal impairment are not required.

Geriatric

Use No formal studies have been conducted to evaluate the pharmacokinetics of loperamide in elderly subjects. However, in two studies that enrolled elderly patients, there were no major differences in the drug disposition in elderly patients with diarrhea relative to young patients. In general, elderly patients may be more susceptible to drug-associated effects on the QT interval.

Avoid Loperamide Hydrochloride

Capsules in elderly patients taking drugs that can result in prolongation of the QT interval (for example, Class IA or III antiarrhythmics) or in patients with risk factors for Torsades de Pointes (see WARNINGS ).

Information For Patients

Advise patients: to take Loperamide Hydrochloride Capsules at the prescribed dosage. Use of a higher than prescribed dosage is not recommended (see WARNINGS ). Report to a healthcare facility if you or someone you are caring for taking Loperamide Hydrochloride Capsules experiences fainting episode, a rapid or irregular heartbeat or become unresponsive. with acute diarrhea, that if clinical improvement is not observed in 48 hours, discontinue Loperamide Hydrochloride Capsules and contact their healthcare provider. to contact their healthcare provider if they see blood in their stools, or if they develop a fever or abdominal distention. to use caution when driving a car or operating machinery, as tiredness, dizziness, or drowsiness may occur in the setting of diarrheal syndromes treated with Loperamide Hydrochloride Capsules. (see ADVERSE REACTIONS ) to tell their healthcare provider about all the medications they are taking, including prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins and herbal supplements, especially if they take Class 1A (e.g., quinidine, procainamide) or Class III (e.g., amiodarone, sotalol) antiarrhythmics, antipsychotics (e.g., chlorpromazine, haloperidol, thioridazine, ziprasidone), antibiotics (e.g., moxifloxacin), or any other drug known to prolong the QT interval (e.g., pentamidine, levomethadyl acetate, methadone). Repackaged By / Distributed By: RemedyRepack Inc. 625 Kolter Drive, Indiana, PA 15701 (724) 465-8762 DRUG INTERACTIONS Effects of Other Drugs on Loperamide Concomitant use of Loperamide Hydrochloride Capsules with inhibitors of CYP3A4 (e.g., itraconazole) or CYP2C8 (e.g., gemfibrozil) or inhibitors of P-glycoprotein (e.g., quinidine, ritonavir) can increase exposure to loperamide. The increased systemic exposure to loperamide may increase a risk for cardiac adverse reactions especially in patients who are taking multiple CYP enzyme inhibitors, or in patients with underlying cardiac conditions (see WARNINGS ). Monitor patients for cardiac adverse reactions. CYP3A4 Inhibitors Itraconazole Concomitant administration of multiple doses of 100 mg itraconazole twice daily, an inhibitor of both CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein, with a single 4-mg dose of loperamide hydrochloride increased the peak plasma concentration and the systemic exposure to loperamide by 2.9-fold and 3.8-fold, respectively. CYP2C8 Inhibitors Gemfibrozil When a single 4-mg dose of loperamide hydrochloride was co-administered with 600 mg gemfibrozil, a strong inhibitor of CYP2C8, on day 3 of a 5-day treatment with gemfibrozil twice daily, the mean peak plasma concentration and the systemic exposure to loperamide was increased by 1.6-fold and 2.2-fold, respectively. CYP3A4 and CYP2C8 Inhibitors When multiple doses of both 100 mg itraconazole and 600 mg gemfibrozil twice daily were administered with a single 4-mg dose of loperamide hydrochloride, the mean peak plasma concentration and the systemic exposure to loperamide was increased by 4.2-fold and 12.6-fold, respectively. P-glycoprotein Inhibitors Concomitant administration of a 16 mg single dose of loperamide hydrochloride with a 600 mg single dose of quinidine or ritonavir, both of which are P-glycoprotein inhibitors, resulted in a 2- to 3-fold increase in loperamide plasma concentrations. Due to the potential for enhanced CNS adverse reactions when loperamide is co-administered with quinidine and with ritonavir, caution should be exercised when Loperamide Hydrochloride Capsules USP, 2 mg is administered at the recommended dosages (2 mg, up to 16 mg maximum daily dose) with P-glycoprotein inhibitors. Effects of Loperamide on Other Drugs Saquinavir When a single 16-mg dose of loperamide hydrochloride is coadministered with a 600 mg single dose of saquinavir, loperamide decreased saquinavir exposure by 54%, which may be of clinical relevance due to reduction of therapeutic efficacy of saquinavir. The effect of saquinavir on loperamide is of less clinical significance. Therefore, when Loperamide Hydrochloride Capsules is given with saquinavir, the therapeutic efficacy of saquinavir should be closely monitored. CARCINOGENESIS & MUTAGENESIS & IMPAIRMENT OF FERTILITY In an 18-month rat study with oral loperamide hydrochloride doses up to 40 mg/kg/day (21 times the maximum human dose of 16 mg/day, based on a body surface area comparison), there was no evidence of carcinogenesis. Loperamide was not genotoxic in the Ames test, the SOS chromotest in E. coli, the dominant lethal test in female mice, or the mouse embryo cell transformation assay. Fertility and reproductive performance was evaluated in rats using oral doses of 2.5, 10, and 40 mg/kg/day (females only) in a second study. Oral administration of 20 mg/kg/day (approximately 11 times the human dose based on a body surface area comparison) and higher, produced a strong impairment of female fertility. Treatment of female rats with up to 10 mg/kg/day (approximately 5 times the human dose based on a body surface area comparison) had no effect on fertility. Treatment of male rats with oral doses of 40 mg/kg/day (approximately 21 times the human dose based on a body surface area comparison) produced impairment of male fertility, whereas administration of up to 10 mg/kg/day (approximately 5 times the human dose based on a body surface area comparison) had no effect.

Pregnancy

Teratogenic Effects Teratology studies have been performed in rats using oral loperamide hydrochloride doses of 2.5, 10, and 40 mg/kg/day, and in rabbits using oral doses of 5, 20, and 40 mg/kg/day. These studies have revealed no evidence of impaired fertility or harm to the fetus at doses up to 10 mg/kg/day in rats (5 times the human dose based on body surface area comparison) and 40 mg/kg/day in rabbits (43 times the human dose based on body surface area comparison). Treatment of rats with oral doses of 40 mg/kg/day (21 times the human dose based on a body surface area comparison) produced marked impairment of fertility. The studies produced no evidence of teratogenic activity. There are no adequate and well controlled studies in pregnant women.

Loperamide Hydrochloride

Capsules should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

Nonteratogenic

Effects In a peri- and post-natal development study in rats, oral administration of 40 mg/kg/day produced impairment of growth and survival of offspring.

Nursing Mothers

Small amounts of loperamide may appear in human breast milk. Therefore, Loperamide Hydrochloride Capsules is not recommended during breast-feeding.

Pediatric Use

Loperamide Hydrochloride Capsules, 2 mg is contraindicated in pediatric patients less than 2 years of age due to the risks of respiratory depression and serious cardiac adverse reactions (see CONTRAINDICATIONS ). Postmarketing cases of cardiac arrest, syncope, and respiratory depression have been reported in pediatric patients less than 2 years of age (see WARNINGS ). Pediatric patients may be more sensitive to CNS effects, such as altered mental status, somnolence, and respiratory depression, than adults. There have been rare reports of paralytic ileus associated with abdominal distention. Most of these reports occurred in the setting of acute dysentery, overdose, and with pediatric patients less than two years of age.

Loperamide Hydrochloride

Capsules should be used with special caution in pediatric patients because of their greater variability of response (see WARNINGS ). Dehydration, particularly in pediatric patients less than 6 years of age, may further influence the variability of response to Loperamide Hydrochloride Capsules The safety and effectiveness of Loperamide Hydrochloride Capsules in pediatric patients with chronic diarrhea have not been established.

Although Loperamide Hydrochloride

Capsules has been studied in a limited number of pediatric patients with chronic diarrhea; the therapeutic dose for the treatment of chronic diarrhea in a pediatric population has not been established. In case of accidental overdosage of Loperamide Hydrochloride Capsules by pediatric patients, see OVERDOSAGE for suggested treatment.

Drug Interactions

Drug Interactions Effects of Other Drugs on Loperamide Concomitant use of loperamide hydrochloride capsules with inhibitors of CYP3A4 (e.g., itraconazole) or CYP2C8 (e.g., gemfibrozil) or inhibitors of P-glycoprotein (e.g., quinidine, ritonavir) can increase exposure to loperamide. The increased systemic exposure to loperamide may increase a risk for cardiac adverse reactions especially in patients who are taking multiple CYP enzyme inhibitors, or in patients with underlying cardiac conditions (see WARNINGS ). Monitor patients for cardiac adverse reactions. CYP3A4 Inhibitors Itraconazole Concomitant administration of multiple doses of 100 mg itraconazole twice daily, an inhibitor of both CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein, with a single 4 mg dose of loperamide hydrochloride increased the peak plasma concentration and the systemic exposure to loperamide by 2.9-fold and 3.8-fold, respectively. CYP2C8 Inhibitors Gemfibrozil When a single 4 mg dose of loperamide hydrochloride was coadministered with 600 mg gemfibrozil, a strong inhibitor of CYP2C8, on day 3 of a 5-day treatment with gemfibrozil twice daily, the mean peak plasma concentration and the systemic exposure to loperamide was increased by 1.6-fold and 2.2-fold, respectively. CYP3A4 and CYP2C8 Inhibitors When multiple doses of both 100 mg itraconazole and 600 mg gemfibrozil twice daily were administered with a single 4 mg dose of loperamide hydrochloride, the mean peak plasma concentration and the systemic exposure to loperamide was increased by 4.2-fold and 12.6-fold, respectively. P-glycoprotein Inhibitors Concomitant administration of a 16 mg single dose of loperamide hydrochloride with a 600 mg single dose of quinidine or ritonavir, both of which are P-glycoprotein inhibitors, resulted in a 2- to 3-fold increase in loperamide plasma concentrations. Due to the potential for enhanced CNS adverse reactions when loperamide is coadministered with quinidine and with ritonavir, caution should be exercised when loperamide hydrochloride capsules are administered at the recommended dosages (2 mg, up to 16 mg maximum daily dose) with P-glycoprotein inhibitors. Effects of Loperamide on Other Drugs Saquinavir When a single 16 mg dose of loperamide hydrochloride is coadministered with a 600 mg single dose of saquinavir, loperamide decreased saquinavir exposure by 54%, which may be of clinical relevance due to reduction of therapeutic efficacy of saquinavir. The effect of saquinavir on loperamide is of less clinical significance. Therefore, when loperamide hydrochloride capsules are given with saquinavir, the therapeutic efficacy of saquinavir should be closely monitored. Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility In an 18-month rat study with oral loperamide hydrochloride doses up to 40 mg/kg/day (21 times the maximum human dose of 16 mg/day, based on a body surface area comparison), there was no evidence of carcinogenesis. Loperamide was not genotoxic in the Ames test, the SOS chromotest in E. coli, the dominant lethal test in female mice, or the mouse embryo cell transformation assay. Fertility and reproductive performance was evaluated in rats using oral doses of 2.5 mg/kg/day, 10 mg/kg/day, and 40 mg/kg/day (females only) in a second study. Oral administration of 20 mg/kg/day (approximately 11 times the human dose based on a body surface area comparison) and higher, produced a strong impairment of female fertility. Treatment of female rats with up to 10 mg/kg/day (approximately 5 times the human dose based on a body surface area comparison) had no effect on fertility. Treatment of male rats with oral doses of 40 mg/kg/day (approximately 21 times the human dose based on a body surface area comparison) produced impairment of male fertility, whereas administration of up to 10 mg/kg/day (approximately 5 times the human dose based on a body surface area comparison) had no effect.

Active Ingredient

Active ingredient Active ingredient (in each caplet) Loperamide HCl 2 mg Purpose ​Purpose Anti-diarrheal

Inactive Ingredients

Inactive ingredients anhydrous citric acid, carboxymethylcellulose sodium, D&C yellow no. 10, FD&C blue no. 1, glycerin, microcrystalline cellulose, natural and artificial mint flavor, propylene glycol, purified water, simethicone, sodium benzoate, sucralose, titanium dioxide, xanthan gum