TempoLife › Medicine reference › loperamide
Loperamide
Short-term diarrhoea, by slowing the gut.
General information only, not medical advice, and no doses. Read the leaflet in your pack and ask a pharmacist about your own situation, other medicines, pregnancy or any health condition.
At a glance
| Generic name | Loperamide |
|---|---|
| Type | Anti-diarrhoeal |
| Commonly used for | Short-term diarrhoea, by slowing the gut. |
| With food? | Can be taken with or without food; keep up your fluids. |
| Alcohol | No direct interaction, but alcohol can irritate the gut. |
| Timing | Taken after loose stools, up to the daily limit on the pack. |
Food and drink
Can be taken with or without food; keep up your fluids. No direct interaction, but alcohol can irritate the gut.
When to take it
Taken after loose stools, up to the daily limit on the pack.
Good to know
Do not use it for diarrhoea with a high fever or blood in the stool without medical advice. If anything about your own use is unclear, a pharmacist can advise for free.
Other common medicines
Paracetamol
Mild to moderate pain such as headache, toothache and muscle aches, and lowering a fever.
Ibuprofen
Pain, inflammation and fever — for example period pain, sprains, back pain and dental pain.
Aspirin
Pain and fever at normal doses; a low daily dose is used, only on medical advice, to reduce clotting risk.
Naproxen
Pain and inflammation, including muscle and joint pain and period pain; it is longer-acting than ibuprofen.
Omeprazole
Heartburn, acid reflux and stomach or gut ulcers.
Loratadine
Hay fever and other allergies, and itchy hives.
Source: General medicine information paraphrased from standard patient-information-leaflet guidance. Always read the leaflet in your pack. · checked 2026-09-04
Frequently asked questions
What is Loperamide used for?
Short-term diarrhoea, by slowing the gut.
Can I drink alcohol with Loperamide?
No direct interaction, but alcohol can irritate the gut.
Should I take Loperamide with food?
Can be taken with or without food; keep up your fluids.
See the pattern over time
TempoLife logs symptoms, food and sleep, so you can bring a clear picture to your pharmacist or doctor.