See also Warning section.
This combination medication is used to treat diarrhea
and symptoms of gas (such as cramps, bloating, pressure). Loperamide works
by slowing down the movement of the gut. This decreases the number of bowel
movements and makes the stool less watery. Simethicone helps break up gas
bubbles in the gut.
This product treats only the symptoms, not the cause of
the diarrhea (such as infection). Treatment of other symptoms and the cause
of the diarrhea should be determined by your doctor.
See also Warning section.
If you are using the over-the-counter product to
self-treat, read all the directions on the product package before taking
this medication. If your doctor has prescribed this medication, follow your
doctor's directions and the directions on your prescription
label.
Take this medication by mouth after each loose bowel
movement as needed, or as directed by your doctor. The dosage is based on
your condition and response to treatment. Children's dosage is also based
on age and weight. Follow the directions on the package for further doses
if needed after your first dose. Do not take more of this medication than
recommended for your age on the package label.
Diarrhea can cause dehydration. Drink plenty of fluids
and minerals (electrolytes) to replace what is lost. Tell your doctor right
away if you develop signs of dehydration (such as extreme thirst, decreased
urination, muscle cramps, weakness, fainting). You may also need to change
to a bland diet during this time to reduce irritation to your
stomach/intestines. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more
information.
Tell your doctor if your diarrhea does not get better
after 2 days, if your condition gets worse, or if you develop new symptoms.
If you develop blood in the stool, fever, or an uncomfortable
fullness/swelling of the stomach/abdomen, or if you think you may have a
serious medical problem, get medical help right away.
Dizziness, drowsiness, tiredness, or constipation may
occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, contact your doctor
promptly.
If your doctor has directed you to use this medication,
remember that your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater
than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not
have serious side effects.
Stop taking this medication and get medical help right
away if you have any very serious side effects, including:
- severe constipation/nausea/vomiting
- stomach/abdominal pain
- uncomfortable fullness of the stomach/abdomen
- fast/irregular heartbeat
- severe dizziness
- fainting
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before taking this product, tell your doctor or
pharmacist if you are allergic to loperamide; or to simethicone; or if you
have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients,
which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your
pharmacist for more details.
If you have any of the following health problems,
consult your doctor or pharmacist before using this
medication:
- stomach/abdominal pain without diarrhea
- bowel obstruction (such as ileus, megacolon, abdominal
distention)
- black/tarry stool
- blood/mucus in your stool
- high fever
- HIV infection/AIDS
- liver problems
- certain stomach/intestinal infections (such as Salmonella,
Shigella)
- certain type of bowel disease (acute ulcerative
colitis)
Antibiotics may rarely cause a severe intestinal
condition due to a bacteria called C. difficile. Symptoms include: diarrhea
that doesn't stop, abdominal or stomach pain/cramping, or blood/mucus in
your stool. This condition may occur during treatment or weeks to months
after treatment has stopped. This medication may make this condition worse.
Do not use this anti-diarrhea product, especially after recent antibiotic
use, if you have the above symptoms without talking with your doctor
first.
Loperamide may cause a condition that affects the heart
rhythm (QT prolongation). QT prolongation can rarely cause serious (rarely
fatal) fast/irregular heartbeat and other symptoms (such as severe
dizziness, fainting) that need medical attention right
away.
The risk of QT prolongation may be increased if you have
certain medical conditions or are taking other drugs that may cause QT
prolongation. Before using loperamide, tell your doctor or pharmacist of
all the drugs you take and if you have any of the following
conditions:
- certain heart problems (heart failure, slow heartbeat, QT
prolongation in the EKG)
- family history of certain heart problems (QT prolongation in
the EKG, sudden cardiac death)
Low levels of potassium or magnesium in the blood may
also increase your risk of QT prolongation. This risk may increase if you
use certain drugs (such as diuretics/"water pills") or if you have
conditions such as severe sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting. Talk to your
doctor about using loperamide safely.
This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Alcohol or
marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use
machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely.
Avoid alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana
(cannabis).
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects
of this drug, especially QT prolongation (see above).
Children may be more sensitive to the side effects of
this drug, especially drowsiness. Children are also at a higher risk for
dehydration. See also Warning and How to Use sections.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only if
clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor.
This drug passes into breast milk but is unlikely to
harm a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before
breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Some products that may interact with this drug
include:
- pramlintide
- recent/current antibiotic use
- cholestyramine
- ritonavir
Many drugs besides loperamide may affect the heart
rhythm (QT prolongation), including amiodarone, chlorpromazine,
haloperidol, methadone, moxifloxacin, pentamidine, procainamide, quinidine,
sotalol, thioridazine, ziprasidone, among others.
Check the label of any prescription or nonprescription
medication you may use, including any antacids or digestive medications
since some combination products may also contain
simethicone.
Simethicone can decrease the absorption of thyroid
medications (such as levothyroxine). If you take thyroid medication, take
it at least 4 hours before or after products that contain
simethicone.
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669. Symptoms of overdose may include:
difficult urination, slowed breathing, deep sleep, fast/irregular
heartbeat, severe dizziness, fainting.
If your doctor has prescribed this medication for you,
do not share it with others.
If you are taking this drug on a regular schedule (not
"as needed") and you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is
near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose
at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture.
Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and
pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.