Loperamide

Loperamide 2mg relieves disabling diarrhoea in IBS - available to buy online from Dr Fox.

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Buy loperamide online in UK

How to order loperamide 2mg online for UK delivery:

  1. Read medical information about irritable bowel syndrome
  2. Answer medical questions to check for eligibility
  3. Reviewed by doctors - posted from UK pharmacy (tracked 24hr service)

Prices

Loperamide (Imodium) Quantity Cost
Loperamide 2mg 30 capsules £5.50
Loperamide 2mg 60 capsules £7.25

Delivery charges

UK delivery only: £2.90 per consultation via Royal Mail Tracked 24 Signed For (1-2 working days with tracking).

Parcel forwarding services are not permitted. Use only UK home or work delivery address.

Returns and refunds - unwanted items can be returned within 14 working days for a full refund.

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About loperamide

  • Loperamide 2mg (Imodium) hard gelatine capsules are an antispasmodic used to treat IBS bowel spasms and diarrhoea.
  • Take 2 capsules initially, then 1 capsule after each episode of diarrhoea.
  • Read the patient leaflet for a full list of side effects, cautions, and interactions with other drugs.
  • Available from pharmacies without prescription.

How does loperamide work?

Loperamide slows the movement of contents through the bowel and reduces the frequency of diarrhoea. During diarrhoea, fluid is lost from the body. Fluids should be replaced by drinking regularly throughout the day.

Cautions

Checks before using loperamide for diarrhoea in IBS

It is important to be sure that your symptoms are caused by IBS and not something more serious. You must have a previous confirmed diagnosis of IBS.

Check with your GP before using loperamide if any of the following applies:

  • Over 40 years old with first time IBS symptoms, changed symptoms including a new change in bowel habit lasting over 2 weeks.
  • New symptoms especially bloating in women.
  • New symptoms of blood in your stool or motions.
  • Feeling nauseous or vomiting or loss of appetite.
  • Losing weight without dieting.
  • Pale and tired.
  • Running a high temperature (fever).
  • Travelled abroad recently.

Loperamide should not be taken:

  • If you have liver disease.
  • Where there has been prolonged constipation before diarrhoea starts.
  • Where the diarrhoea contains blood and there is a high fever.

Do not take loperamide if pregnant or breastfeeding.

Other medications

Some other medications may slightly increase the dose of loperamide in your system:

  • Ritonavir (for HIV).
  • Itraconazole or ketoconazole (for fungal infections).
  • Gemfibrozil (for high cholesterol).

Also see the manufacturer's patient information leaflet.

Side effects of loperamide

There may be no side effects.

Possible side effects include feeling sick (nausea), constipation, and headache.

Loperamide occasionally causes drowsiness or dizziness. If affected you should not drive, cycle, or operate machinery.

Further information on possible side effects can be found in the manufacturer's patient information leaflet.

How to take loperamide 2mg for IBS

  • Take 2 capsules straight away.
  • Then take one capsule after each episode of diarrhoea for up to 48 hours.
  • The maximum number of capsules in a day is 6 tablets (total 12mg). The usual amount is 3-4 capsules (6-8mg) daily.

The aim is to adjust to the amount of loperamide which allows a regular, soft but well formed, comfortable stool.

If there is no improvement after 48 hours, it should be stopped and a doctor consulted. Loperamide can be used for up to 2 weeks for repeated attacks.

Other measures to help symptoms of IBS

Diarrhoea and bloating - reduce insoluble fibre like bran, wholegrain bread, and brown rice. Reduce caffeine, alcohol, fizzy drinks, and gas-producing foods like beans and cabbage.

Constipation - try adding more soluble fibre like oats and linseed, or soluble fibre supplements like Fybogel (ispaghula). Increase the soluble fibre gradually or bloating and wind may get worse. It may take several weeks for optimal benefits.

Make sure that you drink plenty of fluids.

Regular physical activity is also helpful for the bowels. Aim for 30 minutes of moderate activity at least 5 days per week.

For further information see NHS - IBS - Diet, lifestyle and medicines.

Patient Information Leaflet

Illustration of patient leaflet from medicine packet

The Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) is the leaflet included in the pack with a medicine and must be read before taking the medicine. It is written for patients and gives information about taking or using a medicine.

Loperamide 2mg patient leaflet

Dr Amanda Wood

Authored 28 January 2022 by Dr Amanda Wood
MB ChB Manchester University 1984. NHS GP in Bristol. GMC no. 2855422

Reviewed by Dr C. Pugh, Dr B. Babor
Last reviewed 28 January 2022
Last updated 27 March 2024

References

Recent Loperamide (Imodium) reviews

Loperamide (Imodium) rated 5/5 in 7 product reviews

See over 40,000 service reviews of Dr Fox

Loperamide capsules 2mg

Excellent value.

25 February 2024
Anonymous Verified

Loperamide capsules 2mg

Ordered Loperamide 2mg Capsules as I was getting these on a repeat prescription from the doctor but allows the reorder to lapse as I used only when required. So ordered from Dr. Fox and they arrived very quickly and no problem to order.

26 June 2023
Anonymous Verified

Loperamide capsules 2mg

Great service

20 June 2023
A. Lowe Verified

Loperamide capsules 2mg

Excellent Quality, worked well thanks.

06 April 2020
P. Daly Verified

Loperamide capsules 2mg

A superb standby when travelling

06 November 2019
Anonymous Verified

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