Anti-diarrheal
Brand of Loperamide Hydrochloride
Last reviewed June 2026
Who is this for?
Loperamide is an anti-diarrhea medicine that works by slowing down the movement of your intestines, so your body has more time to absorb water and nutrients from food, making your stool firmer and reducing how often you go to the toilet.
Activates μ-opioid receptors in the enteric nervous system, reducing intestinal motility and increasing fluid absorption while decreasing propulsive contractions of the bowel.
Available Over The Counter
Get this from any pharmacy or chemist — no prescription needed.
Explore this drug
For adults, take 2 capsules (4 mg) after the first loose stool, then take 1 capsule (2 mg) after each additional loose stool. Do not take more than 8 capsules (16 mg) in one day. You can take it with or without food. Drink plenty of water and ORS (oral rehydration salts) alongside to replace lost fluids. Stop taking it once your stool becomes normal — this is not a medicine you continue for days.
Loperamide is taken only when you have loose stool, not on a fixed schedule. Simply take the next dose after your next episode of loose stool. Do not take a double dose to make up for one you missed.
Loperamide only stops the purging — it does not treat the cause of the diarrhea, so if you have typhoid, cholera, or dysentery, you still need proper treatment. Always use ORS and drink plenty of clean water alongside, especially in hot Nigerian weather, to prevent dehydration. Buy only from reputable pharmacies — brands like Imodium, Diadon, Diarrax, AC-Motil, or Animotil are commonly available in Nigeria. Avoid roadside or unregistered sellers.
Avoid taking with ritonavir or other HIV medicines as they can increase loperamide levels dangerously in your body. Do not mix with alcohol — it can make dizziness and drowsiness much worse. Be cautious taking it alongside antibiotics like erythromycin or ketoconazole (antifungal) as they may increase side effects.
Check your specific combination
Is it safe to take Loperamide with your other drugs?
Loperamide should only be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding if your doctor specifically tells you to — consult your doctor first before taking it.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat — Nigerian weather can be very hot so avoid leaving it in your car or near a window. Keep it in its original pack and far away from children.
For information only — not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.
Names this drug is sold under — especially in Nigerian and West African pharmacies
Counterfeit Drug Warning
Fake drugs are a serious problem in Nigeria. Always buy from a registered pharmacy. If the packaging looks different from what is described above, do not use it.
Genuine packaging for Olithfem Loperamide Capsules Bp 2 mg
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NAFDAC Number
A4-101073
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