Is Loperamide Safe in Pregnancy

Reason

Limited pregnancy data. Use only if needed and at the lowest effective amount. Avoid high doses.

Drug Information

Brand Name

Imodium

Generic Name

loperamide

Drug Class

Antidiarrheal opioid

FDA Category

C

Rx Status

OTC

Safe Amount

Dosage must be determined by your provider based on individual risk/benefit. Follow the package label exactly and do not exceed the labeled maximum.

Effects

Pregnancy

Use only if benefit outweighs risk. Official labeling says pregnancy data are limited and breastfeeding is not recommended.

Mother

May cause constipation, dizziness, and, at high doses, dangerous heart rhythm problems.

Baby

Small amounts may pass into breast milk. Human pregnancy data are limited. High doses may pose more risk.

Trimester Notes

1st Trimester

Human pregnancy data are limited. Non-drug measures are often preferred first.

2nd Trimester

Use only if needed and at the lowest effective amount, with clinician review.

3rd Trimester

No trimester-specific dosing guidance. Use only if your clinician says the benefit outweighs the risk.

Risk-Benefit Note

.

Conditions & Warnings

• Consult OB/GYN or prescriber
• Diarrhea in pregnancy
• Breastfeeding
• Do not use in children under 2 years
• Avoid higher than recommended doses

Alternatives

• Oral rehydration solution
• Dietary changes for diarrhea
• Call your OB/GYN or prescriber for persistent diarrhea

References

• FDA labeling for loperamide hydrochloride (Imodium)
  https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2016/017694s052lbl.pdf
• DailyMed loperamide hydrochloride product labeling
  https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/