Individual generic drug information

loperamide

Reference monograph

Part of registered formulation

LOPERAMIDE HYDROCHLORIDE

Reference record: LOPERAMIDE
Source: MSF Essential Drugs (January 2026)
Printed source pages: 199, 200
Age groups indexed: 1

Individual active ingredientSource records are displayed separately

Overview

Extracted information for LOPERAMIDE only.

Therapeutic Action

Opioid antidiarrhoeal

Source page 199

Indications

Symptomatic treatment of persistent diarrhoea in adults with HIV infection, in combination with rehydration

Source page 199

Safety

Extracted information for LOPERAMIDE only.

Contraindications Adverse Effects Precautions

Do not exceed indicated doses. Do not administer to children. Do not administer to patients with bloody diarrhoea, ulcerative colitis, diarrhoea due to antibiotics. May cause: constipation, allergic skin reactions, drowsiness, dizziness. In the event of overdosage, treat with naloxone. Pregnancy: no contra-indication Breast-feeding: no contra-indication

Source page 199

Dose and formulations

Extracted information for LOPERAMIDE only.

Forms And Strengths

2 mg capsule or tablet

Source page 199

Dosage

Adult: 4 mg (2 capsules), then 2 mg (1 capsule) after each loose stool, without exceeding 16 mg daily (8 capsules daily).

Source page 199

Duration

According to clinical response

Source page 199

Clinical care

Extracted information for LOPERAMIDE only.

Remarks

Rehydration is essential and must be adapted to the severity of diarrhoea. Loperamide is not included in the WHO list of essential medicines.

Source page 199

Storage

– Below 25 °C

Source page 200

Dose text by age group

Filter the extracted dose blocks for this individual drug.

Adults

4 mg (2 capsules), then 2 mg (1 capsule) after each loose stool, without exceeding 16 mg daily (8 capsules daily).

Candidate age grouping · source page 199

Age labels are extracted from the printed dose headings and require clinical review. Confirm current local guidance, dose, route, formulation, contraindications and interactions before prescribing.

Individual generic drug information

loperamide

Reference monograph

Part of registered formulation

LOPERAMIDE HYDROCHLORIDE

Reference record: LOPERAMIDE
Source: MSF Essential Drugs (January 2026)
Printed source pages: 199, 200
Age groups indexed: 1

Individual active ingredientSource records are displayed separately

Overview

Extracted information for LOPERAMIDE only.

Therapeutic Action

Opioid antidiarrhoeal

Source page 199

Indications

Symptomatic treatment of persistent diarrhoea in adults with HIV infection, in combination with rehydration

Source page 199

Safety

Extracted information for LOPERAMIDE only.

Contraindications Adverse Effects Precautions

Source page 199

Dose and formulations

Extracted information for LOPERAMIDE only.

Forms And Strengths

2 mg capsule or tablet

Source page 199

Dosage

Adult: 4 mg (2 capsules), then 2 mg (1 capsule) after each loose stool, without exceeding 16 mg daily (8 capsules daily).

Source page 199

Duration

According to clinical response

Source page 199

Clinical care

Extracted information for LOPERAMIDE only.

Remarks

Rehydration is essential and must be adapted to the severity of diarrhoea. Loperamide is not included in the WHO list of essential medicines.

Source page 199

Storage

– Below 25 °C

Source page 200

Dose text by age group

Filter the extracted dose blocks for this individual drug.

Adults

4 mg (2 capsules), then 2 mg (1 capsule) after each loose stool, without exceeding 16 mg daily (8 capsules daily).

Candidate age grouping · source page 199

Age labels are extracted from the printed dose headings and require clinical review. Confirm current local guidance, dose, route, formulation, contraindications and interactions before prescribing.