Loperamide 2 mg tablets (Loperamid Actavis) – for short-term diarrhoea in adults and children from 12 years

Loperamide (loperamide hydrochloride) is an antidiarrhoeal medicine that slows the bowel, making stools firmer and less frequent. In Serbia, the medicine registered under the name “Loperamid” is Loperamid Actavis 2 mg tablets.

It is used to relieve short-term (acute) diarrhoea in adults and children aged 12 and over, and in adults also diarrhoea associated with diagnosed irritable bowel syndrome.

How is loperamide taken for diarrhoea and how many tablets are allowed?

Basic information about the medicine

What is Loperamid Actavis used for?

According to the leaflet, the medicine is prescribed for:

• relief of short-term (acute) diarrhoea in adults and children aged 12 and over;
• episodes of acute diarrhoea associated with irritable bowel syndrome in adults aged 18 and over, after diagnosis by a doctor.

How is Loperamid Actavis used and dosed?

• Short-term diarrhoea (adults and children from 12): 2 tablets at the start, then 1 tablet after each loose stool; no more than 6 tablets in 24 hours; do not take for longer than 48 hours.
• Diarrhoea in irritable bowel syndrome (from 18): 2 tablets at the start, then 1 tablet after each loose stool (or as advised by the doctor); maximum 6 tablets daily; for repeated attacks up to 2 weeks, but not if a single episode lasts longer than 48 hours.
• Swallow the tablet with water; the tablets are not intended for long-term treatment.
• During diarrhoea drink more fluids than usual.

Special patient groups

• Children under 12: must not be used (for irritable bowel syndrome – under 18).
• Liver disease: consult a doctor before use.
• People with HIV: stop the medicine immediately if abdominal swelling occurs and contact a doctor.
• Older and frail people: replacement of fluids and electrolytes is particularly important.

Contraindications – when the medicine must not be used

• allergy to loperamide or excipients;
• children under 12 (for irritable bowel syndrome – under 18);
• flare of chronic bowel inflammation, e.g. ulcerative colitis;
• acute dysentery (blood in the stool and high fever);
• severe diarrhoea after taking antibiotics;
• constipation or a swollen abdomen.

Precautions and warnings

• diarrhoea lasting longer than 48 hours – see a doctor;
• severe diarrhoea with large loss of fluid and electrolytes;
• intolerance to some sugars (contains lactose);
• history of drug dependence – loperamide is an opioid that at high doses may have other opioid effects;
• in irritable bowel syndrome consult a doctor if you are 40+ with changed symptoms, blood in the stool, nausea or vomiting, weight loss, fever, urinary problems or recent travel abroad.

Interactions with other medicines, food and drink

• ritonavir, quinidine, gemfibrozil, itraconazole and ketoconazole – may increase loperamide levels;
• oral desmopressin.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• Pregnancy: safety not established; use is not advised, especially in the first trimester (SmPC) – consult a doctor.
• Breastfeeding: do not take while breastfeeding, as small amounts pass into milk.

Driving and using machines

• Dizziness, tiredness, drowsiness, reduced alertness or loss of consciousness may occur – if so, do not drive or use machines.

Possible side effects

• Common: nausea, constipation, wind, headache;
• Uncommon: itching or hives, abdominal pain or bloating, dizziness or drowsiness, vomiting, indigestion, dry mouth;
• Rare: allergic reactions (wheezing, swelling of the face or throat), severe skin reactions, loss or reduced level of consciousness, muscle stiffness and uncoordinated movements, difficulty passing urine, narrowed pupils, tiredness;
• Frequency not known: acute pancreatitis (upper abdominal pain spreading to the back, fever, nausea).

Overdose, missed dose and stopping treatment

• Overdose: contact a doctor or hospital immediately and take the box with you; symptoms include fast or irregular heartbeat, muscle stiffness, uncoordinated movements, drowsiness, difficulty passing urine or breathing. Children react more strongly than adults.
• Missed dose: the medicine is taken as needed – take the next dose after the next loose stool; do not take a double dose.
• Stopping: stop taking it and see a doctor if diarrhoea lasts longer than 48 hours.

Related information

With diarrhoea, replacing fluids and electrolytes is the most important measure. For additional care and support with diarrhoea, see also the category Diarrhoea – products in this category do not replace the medicine prescribed to you.

Composition, pack and manufacturer

• Active substance: loperamide hydrochloride 2 mg per tablet.
• Excipients: lactose monohydrate; maize starch; soluble starch; colloidal anhydrous silica; magnesium stearate.
• Appearance: round, flat white tablets with a score line (only to aid swallowing, not to divide the dose).
• Pack: 2 blisters of 10 tablets (20 tablets).
• Marketing authorisation holder: Actavis d.o.o. Belgrade, Đorđa Stanojevića 12. Manufacturer (per ALIMS renewal list): Zdravlje a.d. Leskovac.
• Authorisation number: 003404830 2024 of 03.11.2025.

Storage

• Store below 25 °C in the original package to protect from light and moisture.
• Keep out of the sight and reach of children; do not use after the expiry date.

Frequently asked questions

How many loperamide tablets can I take per day?

2 tablets at the start, then 1 after each loose stool, but no more than 6 tablets (12 mg) in 24 hours.

How long can I take loperamide?

For short-term diarrhoea no longer than 48 hours. If diarrhoea lasts longer, stop the medicine and see a doctor.

Can I give loperamide to a child?

Not to children under 12. Children are more sensitive to side effects and overdose.

When should loperamide not be taken?

With bloody stools and high fever, severe diarrhoea after antibiotics, a flare of ulcerative colitis, constipation or a swollen abdomen – in these cases a doctor is needed.

Sources

• ALIMS – Patient information leaflet Loperamid Actavis 2 mg (PIL)
• ALIMS – Summary of product characteristics Loperamid Actavis 2 mg (SmPC)

Sources checked on: 25 October 2026.