A member asked:

Can loperamide be taken for gastroenteritis? (viral or food poisoning). or will it make the illness worse?

3 doctors weighed in across 3 answers

Diarrhea treatment: For viral infections loperamide can be taken for diarrhea. If food poisoning is suspected, I would not recommend it. You can also consider a probiotic supplement which can help resolve the diarrhea. The most important goal is to stay well hydrated. If symptoms persist more than a few days, or you feel dehydrated, please see your physician.

Answered 9/16/2014

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Loperamide: The accepted and practiced advice is "no" - don't use an agent that slows bowel motility when an intestinal infection is present. It can prolong the GI illness. Having stated that, for sure, many persons who have a mild gastroenteritis or a mild form of food intolerance or even food "poisoning" have taken such an agent with no ill effect to them. Moderate or serious cases - NOPE - do not take it

Answered 9/16/2014

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Dr. Susan Rhoads answered

Specializes in Family Medicine

It can: In acute diarrhea and vomiting, loperamide is not a good choice. The intestines react too strongly too meds,and the loperamide can actually completely stop bowel motion. . . everything then just stops working! Not good. Try Pepto-bismol or kaopectate (kaolin and pectin) and gas-x and a bland diet (no caffeine, vitamin C or spicy, greasy foods till better. I am one of those that say to stay away from dairy, too.

Answered 1/8/2020

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