Loperamide
Patient Counselling
For adults and children 12 years and older, 4 mg can be taken at onset of diarrheal symptoms, followed by 2 mg after every loose stool (1). It is important that patients do not exceed 16 mg daily (1). The Quick Dissolve and Liqui-Gels are not recommended for children under 6, and the Calming Liquid is recommended for adults and children over the age of 12. For children 20-30 kg Imodium should be taken 2 mg bid for the first day and 1mg /10kg following each loose stool on subsequent days for a maximum daily dose of 4 mg (2). For children 30 kg and over (less than 12 years old) 2mg can be taken tid on the first day following the same subsequent day regimen for a maximum daily dose of 6 mg (2). For children less than 6, loperamide should only be used as directed by a physician (2). Loperamide hydrochloride should only be used for a maximum of 48 hours (2). If symptoms still persist then the patient should be referred to a physician. The Quick Dissolve tablets can be taken without fluid. It is not to be used as prophylaxis.
References:
References:
- Canadian Pharmacists Association. eCPS. Ottawa: Canadian Pharmacists Association. Available from: http://proxy.lib.uwaterloo.ca/login?url=http://www.lib.uwaterloo.ca/Ejournals/passwords/goether.html
- Lexi-comp. Available from: http://online.lexi.com.proxy.lib.uwaterloo.ca/