This section provides information on the proper use of a number of products that contain loperamide.  It may not be specific to Imodium. Please read with care.
Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. To do so may increase the chance of side effects.
Swallow the capsule whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.
Drink plenty of water while using this medicine.
Dosing
The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.
For acute diarrhea:
For oral dosage form (capsules):
Adults and children 13 years of age and older—At first, 4 milligrams (mg) (2 capsules) after the first loose bowel movement, then 2 mg (1 capsule) after each loose bowel movement after the first dose has been taken. However, dose is usually not more than 16 mg (8 capsules).
Children 8 to 12 years of age weighing more than 30 kilograms (kg)—2 mg (1 capsule) 3 times a day.
Children 6 to 8 years of age weighing 20 to 30 kg—2 mg (1 capsule) 2 times a day.
Children 2 to 5 years of age weighing 20 kg or less—Use the oral solution.
Children younger than 2 years of age—Use is not recommended.
For oral dosage form (oral solution):
Children 8 to 12 years of age weighing more than 30 kilograms (kg)—2 teaspoonfuls (2 mg) 3 times a day.
Children 6 to 8 years of age weighing 20 to 30 kg—2 teaspoonfuls (2 mg) 3 times a day.
Children 2 to 5 years of age weighing 13 to 20 kg—1 teaspoonful (1 mg) 3 times a day.
Children younger than 2 years of age—Use is not recommended.
For oral dosage form (tablets):
Adults and teenagers—The usual dose is 4 mg (2 tablets) after the first loose bowel movement, and 2 mg (1 tablet) after each loose bowel movement after the first dose has been taken. No more than 8 mg (4 tablets) should be taken in any 24-hour period.
Children 9 to 11 years of age—The usual dose is 2 mg (1 tablet) after the first loose bowel movement, and 1 mg (½ tablet) after each loose bowel movement after the first dose has been taken. No more than 6 mg (3 tablets) should be taken in any 24-hour period.
Children 6 to 8 years of age—The usual dose is 2 mg (1 tablet) after the first loose bowel movement, and 1 mg (½ tablet) after each loose bowel movement after the first dose has been taken. No more than 4 mg (2 tablets) should be taken in any 24-hour period.
Children up to 6 years of age—Use is not recommended unless directed by your doctor.
For chronic diarrhea:
For oral dosage form (capsules):
Adults—At first, 4 milligrams (mg) (2 capsules) after the first loose bowel movement, then 2 mg (1 capsule) after each loose bowel movement after the first dose has been taken. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. However, dose is usually not more than 16 mg (8 capsules) per day.
Children 2 years of age and older—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
Children younger than 2 years of age—Use is not recommended.
Missed dose
If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.
Storage
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.
Keep out of the reach of children.
Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.
 Detailed Imodium dosage information
