Loperamide Medications

Loperamide is an antidiarrheal medication that acts on opioid receptors in the gut to decrease intestinal movement and fluid loss. It is commonly used to manage acute nonspecific diarrhea and chronic diarrhea in adults.

Imodium

Loperamide

$0.28 per pill

2mg

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About Loperamide Compound

Loperamide is an over-the-counter antidiarrheal medication that belongs to the class of peripheral µ-opioid receptor agonists. It reduces intestinal motility without producing central nervous system effects at therapeutic doses. The drug is marketed worldwide under brand names such as Imodium®, Pepto-Diarrhea®, and Lopex®, and is also available as a generic tablet. Its primary indication is the symptomatic relief of acute nonspecific diarrhea, but clinicians also prescribe it for chronic functional bowel disorders like irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D). While the usual dosage is safe for most adults, the drug can cause serious cardiac toxicity when misused in high amounts. Understanding how loperamide works, its approved uses, and the safety considerations is essential for anyone considering to buy loperamide online.

What is Loperamide?

Loperamide is a peripheral µ-opioid receptor agonist that acts locally in the gastrointestinal tract. The Singapore Health Sciences Authority (HSA) approved the first oral formulation in 1984, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) subsequently classified it as a non-prescription drug in 199. The medication’s core function is to slow intestinal transit, allowing more water absorption and firmer stools. It is sold as 2 mg tablets, chewable tablets, and liquid drops, all of which are widely stocked in pharmacies and through regulated online platforms. Both branded products and inexpensive generic versions are listed in our online pharmacy catalog.

How Loperamide Works

Mechanism of Action

Loperamide binds selectively to µ-opioid receptors on the myenteric plexus of the large intestine. This binding inhibits the release of acetylcholine and prostaglandins, leading to decreased peristalsis and prolonged intestinal transit time. Because it is a substrate for thein efflux pump, the drug is actively transported out of the central nervous system, preventing typical opioid-related euphoria or respiratory depression at recommended doses. Therapeutic Effects By reducing the frequency of bowel movements and increasing stool consistency, loperamide alleviates symptoms of acute watery diarrhea. In functional bowel disorders, the slowed transit can lessen urgency and abdominal cramping, providing measurable improvement in quality of life.

Onset and Duration

Clinical trials report an onset of antidiarrheal effect within 30 minutes after the first dose, with peak reduction in stool frequency observed after 2-3 days of regular dosing. The drug’s half-life is approximately 10 hours, and therapeutic benefit generally persists while the medication is taken as directed.

Approved Uses and Applications

Approved Indications

Acute nonspecific diarrhea in adults and children over 12 years (HSA, FDA).
Management of chronic diarrhea associated with inflammatory bowel disease, provided the underlying inflammation is controlled.
Symptomatic relief of travel-related diarrhea.

Off-Label Uses

Loperamide is sometimes employed off-label for reducing fecal output in patients with stoma output control and in palliative care to manage refractory diarrhea. These applications are not officially sanctioned by regulatory agencies, and clinicians use them based on individual patient assessment.

Clinical Efficacy

A double-blind, placebo-controlled study published in The New England Journal of Medicine demonstrated that 2 mg of loperamide reduced the average number of loose stools from 5.2 to 2.1 per day within 24 hours (p < .001). In a pooled analysis of IBS-D trials in The Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology, patients receiving loperamide experienced a 45 % improvement in stool consistency scores compared with placebo.

Buying Loperamide from Our Online Pharmacy

Why Choose Our Service

Our pharmacy discreet, secure channel to obtain loperamide when local shelves are low or when you prefer the convenience of home delivery. All orders are processed under strict regulatory compliance, ensuring the product you receive meets the same quality standards as Singapore-licensed pharmacies.

Brand Names and Generic Options

Imodium® (2 mg tablet) - premium brand, priced at SGD 8.90 per pack.
Pepto-Diarrhea® - similar formulation, SGD 7.80 per pack.
Generic loperamide - identical 2 mg tablets, typically SGD 4.20 per pack, offering up to 50 % savings.

Quality & Safety

We partner with licensed international pharmacies that adhere to WHO Good Manufacturing Practices, guaranteeing batch-to-batch consistency and purity.

Pricing & Access

Through our platform, you can buy loperamide online at competitive rates, and all repeat purchases qualify for a lifetime 10 discount.

Discreet Delivery

Orders ship via standard or express courier-standard delivery reaches most Singapore addresses within three weeks, while express service delivers in approximately seven days. Every package is wrapped in neutral, tamper-evident packaging to protect your privacy.

Dosing, Formulations & Administration

Available Formulations

Tablet: 2 mg (most common).
Chewable tablet: 2 mg, flavored for ease of use.
Oral liquid: .1 mg/mL concentration for patients who have difficulty swallowing tablets.

Typical Dosing Ranges

For acute diarrhea, adults often start with 4 mg (two tablets) after the first loose stool, followed by 2 mg after each subsequent loose stool, not exceeding 8 mg in 24 hours. In IBS-D, clinicians may prescribe a maintenance dose of 2 mg once or twice daily, adjusting based on symptom control. These examples reflect standard clinical practice; a healthcare provider must tailor the regimen to each individual.

Administration Guidelines

Loperamide can be taken with or without food. Swallow tablets whole; chewable forms should be chewed thoroughly. Avoid concomitant use with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole) or P-glycoprotein blockers (e.g., quinidine) unless directed by a clinician, as they can increase systemic exposure.

Always consult a qualified healthcare professional to determine the exact dose for your situation.

Safety Profile & Considerations

Common Side Effects

Constipation (≈12 % of users).
Abdominal cramps (≈8 %).
Nausea (≈5 %).
Dry mouth (≈4 %).

These events are generally mild and resolve with dose adjustment.

Serious Adverse Events

High-dose misuse can lead to QT prolongation, ventricular arrhythmias, and rare cases of cardiac arrest. Immediate medical attention is required for symptoms such as palpitations, dizziness, or fainting.

Contraindications

Known hypersensitivity to loperamide or any formulation component.
Pseudomembranous colitis caused by Clostridioides difficile.
Acute dysentery with blood or high-fever, where slowing gut motility could worsen the condition.

Drug Interactions

CYP3A4 and CYP2C8 inhibitors (e.g., erythromycin, clarithromycin) may raise plasma loperamide levels.
P-glycoprotein inhibitors (e.g., quinidine, verapamil) increase central exposure, raising cardiotoxic risk.
Concomitant use with other antidiarrheals (e.g., bismuth subsalicylate) may cause additive constipation.

Special Populations

Pregnancy: Classified as Category C by the FDA; animal studies show risk at high doses, but limited human data suggest short-term use at therapeutic levels is unlikely to harm the fetus. Discuss with your obstetrician.
Breastfeeding: Small amounts appear in milk; typically considered compatible with nursing if needed for short-term symptom control.
Elderly: Reduced renal clearance may necessitate lower maximum daily dose (≤6 mg).
Hepatic or renal impairment: Dose reduction is advised; monitor for accumulation and cardiac effects.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does loperamide differ from prescription opioids? Loperamide activates peripheral µ-opioid receptors in the gut while being excluded from the brain by the P-glycoprotein pump, so it does not produce analgesia or euphoria at normal doses.
What is the typical time frame to notice relief after the first dose? Most patients experience reduced stool frequency within 30 minutes, and noticeable improvement in stool consistency usually occurs after 1-2 days of consistent dosing.
Can loperamide be used for travel-related diarrhea caused bacterial infections? It can alleviate symptoms, but it does not treat the underlying infection; if fever or blood in stool develops, medical evaluation is required.
What should I do if I develop constipation while taking loperamide? Reduce the dose or discontinue use temporarily; increase fluid intake and dietary fiber. If constipation persists, contact a healthcare professional.
Are there foods or drinks that should be avoided while taking loperamide? No specific dietary restrictions exist, but high-fat meals may delay absorption slightly. Maintaining adequate hydration is advisable.
Is it safe to combine loperamide with antacids? No direct interaction has been documented, but both can affect gastrointestinal motility; monitor for excessive constipation.
How does chronic use of loperamide affect the heart? Long-term high-dose use, especially with P-glycoprotein inhibitors, has been QT interval prolongation and arrhythmias. Routine cardiac monitoring is recommended if high doses are unavoidable.
What information should I provide my doctor when discussing loperamide?
- Complete list of current medications,-the-counter drugs and supplements.
- History of any heart rhythm disorders, liver or kidney disease.
- Recent episodes of diarrhea: duration, volume, presence of blood or fever.
- Any previous adverse reactions to antidiarrheal agents.

Disclaimer

The information provided about loperamide is for general knowledge only. It does not replace professional medical consultation or the official prescribing information for medications containing this ingredient. All treatment decisions, including dosing, formulation selection, and monitoring, should be made under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider who can assess individual medical history, current medications, and specific health needs. We assume all readers are responsible adults capable of making informed decisions about their health. Our online pharmacy offers access to medications containing loperamide for individuals who may have limited availability through traditional pharmacies, prescription-based insurance schemes, or who are seeking affordable generic alternatives. Always consult your doctor before starting, changing, or discontinuing any medication containing loperamide.