OTC Stomach

Loperamide 2 mg

Loperamide hydrochloride 2 mg

Stops the runs when you can't stop — but the wrong situation makes it genuinely dangerous.

FormCapsule / tablet
Adult dose*2 mg after each loose stool
Max3–4 caps/day · 2 days
Works in1–2 hrs

Educational reference only — not medical advice. *Doses shown are typical adult label doses. Read the pack, and confirm with a doctor or pharmacist — especially for children, pregnancy, the elderly, or any chronic condition.

What it's for

Uses

Acute watery diarrhoea (adults) Travel days & transit Work situations where a toilet isn't reachable

Why it earns its place

Benefits

  • Slows the gut fast — buys you a safe journey or meeting
  • Single capsules work; no course needed
  • Pairs with ORS, which remains the actual treatment

The honest column

Side effects

Before you take it

Cautions & interactions

  • Not for children — paediatric diarrhoea is ORS + zinc + doctor
  • Maximum 2 days of self-use — diarrhoea persisting beyond that needs a doctor
  • Rehydration with ORS comes first; loperamide only manages the symptom
  • Skip it if diarrhoea started right after antibiotics — ask a doctor

On the shelf

Brands in India & where to buy

Imodium Kenvue (J&J) Strip of 4 capsules ₹28–35indicative MRP — verify current price
Eldoper Micro Labs Strip of 10 capsules ₹28–34indicative MRP — verify current price

Prices are indicative MRPs for the listed pack sizes and change often — always verify on the pharmacy listing or pack. Links open marketplace searches; Naked Compound has no sponsorship or affiliate arrangement with any brand listed. Brand names are examples of what's commonly stocked, not endorsements.

When to skip self-medication

Fever beyond 3 days, blood anywhere it shouldn't be, chest pain or breathlessness, severe abdominal pain, a child under 6, pregnancy, or symptoms bouncing back within a week — any of these means see a doctor the same day instead of reaching for this pack.

Read this before you reach for anything

This page is an educational reference, not medical advice, a diagnosis, or a prescription. Doses shown are typical adult label doses for short-term self-care. Children, pregnant or breastfeeding women, the elderly, and anyone with chronic conditions or on regular medication should check with a doctor or pharmacist first. If symptoms are severe, unusual, or match any red flag above, skip the self-medication and see a doctor. Read how we work in our methodology.