MedicinePOM

Loperamide Hydrochloride

A medicine (Imodium) that treats diarrhoea by slowing down the gut.

Clinical information

Common uses

short-term diarrhoea
diarrhoea from IBS
long-lasting diarrhoea from bowel conditions
thickening output from a colostomy (stoma)

Common side effects

constipation
feeling sick
headaches
farting

Cautions

do not take for more than 48 hours without seeing a doctor
too much can cause serious heart problems
not for children under 12 unless prescribed
avoid during colitis flare-ups or diarrhoea after antibiotics

Interactions

clozapine (mental health)
ritonavir (HIV)
quinidine (heart rhythm or malaria)
itraconazole (antifungal)
gemfibrozil (cholesterol)
desmopressin (bedwetting)

Pregnancy: not usually recommended — talk to your doctor

Reference information, not medical advice — always follow your doctor or pharmacist. Source: NHS Medicines A–Z, nhs.uk/medicines/loperamide (accessed 2026-08-16)

Approved brands & formulations4

Brand name	Dosage form	Strength	Importer	Category
Colodium	Capsule ( Hard gelatin Capsule )	2 mg (USP)	Heart Land Pharmacy	POM
Dialamid	Capsule	2mg	authorized medicine importers	POM
Emod	Capsule	2 mg	Meditime Pvt Ltd	POM
Unidium 2	Tablet ( Uncoated )	3 mg	ADK Pharmaceutical Company Pvt. Ltd	POM