Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Diarrhea Relief (Loperamide).
Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS): People with AIDS should stop taking Diarrhea Relief (Loperamide) and contact their doctor if they experience abdominal swelling or distention.
Constipation: If you develop constipation, stop taking Diarrhea Relief (Loperamide) and contact your doctor.
Drowsiness or dizziness: Diarrhea Relief (Loperamide) may cause drowsiness or dizziness. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how Diarrhea Relief (Loperamide) affects you.
Fluids and electrolytes: The loss of fluids and electrolytes (e.g., chloride, sodium) can occur if you have diarrhea. Diarrhea Relief (Loperamide) helps with the symptoms of diarrhea but will not correct any fluid or electrolyte problems caused by diarrhea. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about whether you need fluid and electrolyte replacement, also referred to as oral rehydration therapy.
Improvement in diarrhea: If your diarrhea has not improved after 48 hours of treatment with Diarrhea Relief (Loperamide), stop taking it and contact your doctor.
Liver function: Liver disease or reduced liver function may cause Diarrhea Relief (Loperamide) to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have liver problems, discuss with your doctor how Diarrhea Relief (Loperamide) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Diarrhea Relief (Loperamide), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Medical conditions: Diarrhea Relief (Loperamide) should not be used by people with intestinal infections such as dysentery, which is often associated with severe diarrhea, fever, and blood in the stool, and other infections of the gut. A more serious problem of the bowel may develop if Diarrhea Relief (Loperamide) is used by some people with acute ulcerative colitis or a serious form of diarrhea associated with antibiotic use.
Pregnancy: Diarrhea Relief (Loperamide) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Diarrhea Relief (Loperamide), contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: Diarrhea Relief (Loperamide) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Diarrhea Relief (Loperamide), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: Diarrhea Relief (Loperamide) is not recommended for use in children under the age of 12 except on the advice of a physician. Diarrhea Relief (Loperamide) should not be given to children under 6 years of age without medical prescription and supervision. Diarrhea Relief (Loperamide) tablets are not suitable for children under 6 years of age. Diarrhea Relief (Loperamide) should not be used for children under 2 years of age. (See "Who should not take Diarrhea Relief (Loperamide).")