Loperamide

Acute diarrhoea (viral, traveller’s), chronic diarrhoea (IBS-D, post-surgical), and management of ileostomy/colostomy output.

Loperamide is an opioid receptor agonist that acts on mu-receptors in the gut wall. It slows intestinal transit, increases water and electrolyte absorption, and increases anal sphincter tone. Crucially, it doesn’t cross the blood-brain barrier at normal doses, so it doesn’t cause the central effects of other opioids.

Adults and children (over 12 for OTC, younger under medical supervision). Don’t use in bloody diarrhoea or if you suspect bacterial dysentery. Avoid in acute ulcerative colitis or C. difficile infection.

Order online and we review your request. A prescriber checks your consultation form for clinical appropriateness and contacts you if anything else is needed. Once approved, your medication is dispensed and delivered to your door.

Tracked: Tracked delivery, arrives tomorrow - Free

When it arrives: Every order is sent tracked. Where this page says in post today, it goes out today. Where it says in post tomorrow, it goes out the next working day. On the rare occasions a medicine is unavailable, we will contact you to talk about timing and alternatives.

We dispense clinically equivalent generic medications where available. Prices shown are for the generic version. If you prefer the branded version, let us know in your order form and we will confirm any price difference.

Loperamide from £10.99 per pack.

Common: constipation (paradoxically, if overused), abdominal cramps, nausea, dizziness, flatulence. Rare: paralytic ileus, abdominal distension.

Do not use in acute dysentery (bloody diarrhoea with fever), acute ulcerative colitis, antibiotic-associated colitis, abdominal distension. Do not use as primary treatment - identify underlying cause.

Laxatives may affect absorption of other medicines - take other medications 1-2 hours before or after. Loperamide: opioid structure means interactions possible with CYP inhibitors at high doses.

Lactulose and macrogol: generally considered safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding. Senna: use with caution, short-term only. Loperamide: limited data - use only if clearly needed.

Take 4mg initially, then 2mg after each loose stool (maximum 16mg daily). Usually only needed for 1-2 days in acute diarrhoea. Stay well-hydrated. Don’t use for more than 5 days without medical advice. For IBS-D: regular low-dose use can be appropriate under medical guidance. Excessive doses can cause serious cardiac effects - don’t exceed the recommended dose.