Loperamide

Loperamide is a medication used to control symptoms of diarrhea.

Loperamide belongs to a group of drugs called anti-diarrheals. These work by slowing the muscle contractions in the small intestines and in turn increase the time it takes food to pass through the gastrointestinal tract. This then gives the small intestine more time to absorb fluid and nutrients from food to make stools more firm and less often.

Loperamide can cause nausea and stomach cramps. Loperamide can also cause tiredness, drowsiness, or dizziness. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how loperamide affects you.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

The FDA categorizes medications based on safety for use during pregnancy. Five categories - A, B, C, D, and X, are used to classify the possible risks to an unborn baby when a medication is taken during pregnancy.

Loperamide falls into category C. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Loperamide should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.