Loperacap: Uses, Side Effects and Dosage

What is LOPERACAP used for?

Rapid relief of diarrhea symptoms.

How does LOPERACAP work?

LOPERACAP makes the stools more solid and less frequent.

What are the ingredients in LOPERACAP?

Medicinal ingredients: loperamide hydrochloride

Non-medicinal ingredients: lactose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, pregelatinized starch, sodium starch glycolate, FD&C blue no. 1 aluminum lake, D&C yellow no.10 aluminum lake.

LOPERACAP comes in the following dosage forms:

Tablets: 2 mg

Do not use LOPERACAP if:

• there is blood in the stools, or you have a fever;
• you are constipated or your abdomen is swollen or have abdominal pain;
• you have a bacterial infection in your digestive system, or suspect food-poisoning due to bacterial contamination;
• you have an inflammation of the lower bowel;
• you are taking prescription drugs that may cause constipation such as anti-psychotic and anti-depressant medications;
• you are taking antibiotics or have ulcerative colitis;

• in children less than 12 years of age, except on the advice of a doctor;

• you know you are sensitive to one of the ingredients or to any other component of this formulation (see What are the ingredients in LOPERACAP?);
• in doubt, ask your pharmacist or doctor for advice.

To help avoid side effects and ensure proper use, talk to your healthcare professional before you take LOPERACAP. Talk about any health conditions or problems you may have, including if you:

• have mucus in the stool;

• are pregnant or breastfeeding (LOPERACAP is not recommended for breastfeeding 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 LOPERACAP;
• have a history of abnormal heart rhythm (e.g., Brugada syndrome).

Other warnings you should know about:

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 LOPERACAP 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.

Tell your healthcare professional about all the medicines you take, including any drugs, vitamins, minerals, natural supplements or alternative medicines.

The following may interact with LOPERACAP:

• 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 LOPERACAP too strong.
• sedating medications
• 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)

How to take LOPERACAP:

• LOPERACAP should be taken by the mouth with liquid. You can take LOPERACAP 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 tablets initially and 1 tablet every time you have a loose bowel movement, to a maximum of 8 tablets per day. Stop use if you have a solid or hard stool or if you go for 24 hours without a bowel movement.

Overdose:

What are possible side effects from using LOPERACAP?

These are not all the possible side effects you may have when LOPERACAP. If you experience any side effects not listed here, tell your healthcare professional.

LOPERACAP is usually well tolerated, and few undesired effects are likely when it is taken as directed.

Constipation may occur. If so, stop LOPERACAP and if these effects are severe, consult your doctor.

Over sensitivity to LOPERACAP 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.

Serious side effects and what to do about them

Serious side effects and what to do about them

If you have a troublesome symptom or side effect that is not listed here or becomes bad enough to interfere with your daily activities, tell your healthcare professional.

Reporting Side Effects

Storage:

• Store LOPERACAP in well-closed containers at controlled room temperature (15-30°C).
• Keep out of reach and sight of children.

If you want more information about LOPERACAP:

• Talk to your healthcare professional.
• Find the full product monograph that is prepared for healthcare professionals and includes this Patient Medication Information by visiting the Health Canada website: (https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/drug-products/drug-product-database.html; the manufacturer’s website www.bauschhealth.ca, or by calling 1-800-361-4261.

Last Revised: July 3, 2024