Best Ways to Treat Diarrhoea
A complete guide to the different treatment options for diarrhoea, how they work, and when they’re…
Loperamide is a fast treatment for short-term diarrhoea.
Loperamide is a capsule treatment for short-term, acute diarrhoea. It can also be used to treat long-term diarrhoea, but this is less common and often caused by another condition like irritable bowel syndrome or Crohn’s disease.
The active ingredient in the capsules, loperamide, belongs to a group of medications called antidiarrheal agents. They work by slowing down your bowel movements, and help your stools become firmer by decreasing the amount of fluid in your bowel.
Antidiarrheals work by making food pass through your gut slower than it normally would. This gives your body a chance to draw water through your intestinal walls, which helps your digestive system get back into a normal rhythm. As things slow down, your loose stools are able to become firm again and you should be able to start eating and drinking like you usually would.
Diarrhoea isn’t usually serious, but it can sometimes be a sign of an underlying condition. If your symptoms don’t improve after 2 days of using Loperamide, you might need to see a doctor. They’ll usually recommend tests to determine what’s causing your loose stools.[1]
Loperamide is available as 2mg capsules. After you first develop diarrhoea symptoms, you’ll need to take a first dose of two capsules. Once you’ve taken this initial dose, you’ll then switch to taking one capsule after every loose bowel movement.
You should avoid taking Loperamide for any longer than 5 days. If your stools aren’t improving by then, speak to a clinician.

How we source info.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
Loperamide capsules need to be swallowed whole with a glass of water. You should swallow two after your first bout of diarrhoea, and one capsule only after any further bouts.
Although you don’t need to take Loperamide with food, it’s recommended you eat solid foods as soon as you feel able to. Drinking a small amount of water whenever you have a loose bowel movement can help you to keep your fluids up and avoid becoming dehydrated.
Loperamide capsules usually start working within an hour,[1] and can be taken for a maximum of 5 days. The recommended dose is for ‘short-lived’ diarrhoea, which usually resolves within that time.
If you’re still getting loose stools after 5 days, speak to a clinician. Diarrhoea that lasts for a long period of time can cause complications like malabsorption (where your body can’t easily absorb nutrients) and dehydration, and might be a sign of an underlying health condition.
The patient information leaflet (PIL) that comes with your medication recommends never taking more than 8 capsules in any 24 hour period. There’s no need to double up your dose, as it won’t help treat your diarrhoea any quicker or more effectively.
Taking more Loperamide than you need can cause heart problems. If you think you’ve taken too much, get urgent medical attention by going to your nearest hospital.
If you feel sleepy, tired, or dizzy after taking Loperamide, you should avoid driving or operating any machinery.

How we source info.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
Loperamide isn’t suitable for everyone, and there are some things that you need to be aware of when taking it.
Here’s all the official info on it. If anything is unclear, let our clinician know, and they can talk with you about it.
Have something specific you want to know? Search our info below, or ask our experts a question if you can’t find what you’re looking for.
Last updated on Jul 05, 2023.
Our experts continually monitor new findings in health and medicine, and we update our articles when new info becomes available.
Jul 05, 2023
Published by: The Treated Content Team. Medically reviewed by: Dr Daniel Atkinson, GP Clinical LeadHow we source info.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
All from the comfort of your device. Get access to what you need, when you need it.
Ask questions and get expert recommendations, at the touch of a button.
We'll narrow down some treatments for you to choose from based on your medical profile.
Receive your treatment by secure delivery, in discreet packaging.
Set your own delivery schedule and pause or make changes any time you like.
They review our info and prescribe your treatments.
Registered with GMC (No. 4624794)
Meet Daniel
Registered with GPhC (No. 2202465)
Meet Sanjeda
Registered with GPhC (No. 2070724)
Meet CraigHaven’t seen any results yet but I’m optimistic.
Great service. Fast delivery.
Great service, reliable and fast delivery.
Fast and reliable service. Everything clearly explained and handled discreetly. Medication delivered quickly and good guidance during the process. Definitely recommended!
Very satisfied with the delivery, guidance and advice.
A complete guide to the different treatment options for diarrhoea, how they work, and when they’re…
We're making healthcare more about you. Sign up to our newsletter for personalised health articles that make a difference.
GP Clinical Lead
Dr Daniel oversees all matters clinical at Treated. He supports the rest of our team to make sure everything we’re doing is safe and puts patients first. He also spends a lot of time consulting with patients first hand, so he can see how well things are working and what we can improve. Registered with the GMC (No. 4624794).
Meet DanielHow we source info.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
By clicking 'Subscribe now' you're agreeing to our Privacy Policy.
We couldn't find what you're looking for.
Here's everything we treat. Or, if you're looking for something we don't have yet, you can suggest something.