Diarrhea Relief Liquid Gels (Pharmascience): Uses, Side Effects and Dosage

ABOUT THIS MEDICATION

What the medication is used for:

DIARRHEA RELIEF LIQUID GELS is used for the rapid relief of diarrhea symptoms.

What it does:

DIARRHEA RELIEF LIQUID GELS makes the stools more solid and less frequent.

When it should not be used:

You should not use DIARRHEA RELIEF LIQUID GELS if you have any of the following conditions:

• if there is blood in the stools or you have a fever;
• if you are constipated or your abdomen is swollen or have abdominal pain;
• if you have a bacterial infection in your digestive system, or suspect food-poisoning due to bacterial contamination;
• if you have an inflammation of the lower bowel;
• if you are taking prescription drugs that may cause constipation such as anti-psychotic and anti-depressant medications;
• if you are taking antibiotics or have ulcerative colitis;
• if you know you are sensitive to one of the ingredients or to any other component of this formulation (see What the nonmedicinal ingredients are);
• if in doubt, ask your pharmacist or doctor for advice.

What the medicinal ingredient is:

Loperamide hydrochloride

What the non-medicinal ingredients are:

FD&C Blue No. 1, Gelatin, Glycerol Monocaprylate, Polyoxyl 40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Propylene Glycol, Purified Water, Shellac Glaze, Sorbitol Sorbitan Solution and Titanium Dioxide.

What dosage forms it comes in:

Capsules: 2 mg

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

KEEP THIS AND ALL DRUGS OUT OF THE SIGHT AND REACH OF CHILDREN

BEFORE you use DIARRHEA RELIEF LIQUID GELS, talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you:

• have mucus in the stool;

• are pregnant or nursing a baby. DIARRHEA RELIEF LIQUID GELS is not recommended for nursing mothers because small amounts of loperamide can end up in your milk;

• have meningitis or liver disease, as you may need medical supervision while taking DIARRHEA RELIEF LIQUID GELS.
• have a history of abnormal heart rhythm (e.g., Brugada syndrome).

Dosage warning:

Taking more than directed can cause serious heart problems or death.

STOP USE and see your doctor or pharmacist if:

• Diarrhea gets worse, lasts longer than 48 hours or you get any unusual symptoms;
• You are infected with HIV and you have any signs of abdominal swelling or bulging.

Although DIARRHEA RELIEF LIQUID GELS stops diarrhea, it will not treat the cause of it. Whenever possible, the cause of diarrhea should also be treated.

Tiredness, dizziness, or drowsiness may occur in the setting of diarrheal symptoms treated with loperamide. Therefore, it is advisable to use caution when driving a car or operating machinery.

INTERACTIONS WITH THIS MEDICATION

Always tell your doctor or pharmacist:

• if you are using other drugs including herbal medicines because some drugs should not be taken together;
• if you are taking drugs that slow down the action of the stomach and intestines (for example, some antidepressants and cold and allergy medication), because these can make the effect of DIARRHEA RELIEF LIQUID GELS too strong;
• if you are taking sedating medications.

In particular, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any of the following:

• ritonavir (used to treat HIV)
• quinidine (used to treat abnormal heart rhythms)
• oral desmopressin (used to treat excessive urination)
• itraconazole or ketoconazole (used to treat fungal infections)
• gemfibrozil (used to lower cholesterol)

PROPER USE OF THIS MEDICATION

DIARRHEA RELIEF LIQUID GELS should be taken by the mouth with liquid. You can take DIARRHEA RELIEF LIQUID GELS at any time of day.

When you have diarrhea,

• you will lose a lot of fluids. Therefore, drink plenty of clear fluids, water, unsweetened juices or clear soups.

• do not drink alcohol or milk and avoid fruit, green vegetables and spicy or fatty foods. These items tend to aggravate diarrhea.

Usual dose:

Adults (12 years and older):

Take 2 capsules initially and 1 capsule every time you have a loose bowel movement, to a maximum of 8 capsules per day.

Stop use if you have a solid or hard stool or if you go for 24 hours without a bowel movement.

Overdose:

SIDE EFFECTS AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT THEM

DIARRHEA RELIEF LIQUID GELS is usually well-tolerated and few undesired effects are likely when it is taken as directed.

Constipation may occur. If so, stop DIARRHEA RELIEF LIQUID GELS and if these effects are severe, consult your doctor.

Over sensitivity to DIARRHEA RELIEF LIQUID GELS is rare. It can be recognized, for instance, by skin rash or itching. If any of these signs occur, see your doctor.

The following complaints sometimes occur, but they may be due to the diarrhea itself: nausea and vomiting, tiredness, dizziness or drowsiness, dry mouth and flatulence.

This is not a complete list of side effects. For any unexpected effects while taking DIARRHEA RELIEF LIQUID GELS, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO STORE IT

Store DIARRHEA RELIEF LIQUID GELS capsules between 15°C and 30°C. Protect from light.

Keep out of reach and sight of children.

REPORTING SIDE EFFECTS

MORE INFORMATION

This document plus the full product monograph, prepared for health professionals, can be obtained by contacting Pharmascience Inc. at 1-888-550-6060.

Pharmascience Inc.

Montréal, Canada

H4P 2T4

www.pharmascience.com

Last revised: April 29, 2020