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Loperamide use while Breastfeeding

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 16, 2024.

Drugs containing Loperamide: Imodium, Imodium A-D, Anti-Diarrheal, Imodium Multi-Symptom Relief, Diamode, Pepto Diarrhea Control, Diar-Aid, A-D Anti-Diarrheal, Kaopectate II, Neo-Diaral, Show all 15 »Imotil, Kao-Paverin, Up and Up Anti-Diarrheal Solution, Kaopectate 1-D, Anti-Diarrheal + Anti-Gas

Loperamide Levels and Effects while Breastfeeding

Summary of Use during Lactation

Use of loperamide during breastfeeding is unlikely to affect the infant.

Drug Levels

Maternal Levels. Loperamide has not been studied during breastfeeding, but the loperamide prodrug, loperamide oxide, has been studied in a dosage of 2 doses of 4 mg given 12 hours apart to 6 women 18 to 47 hours after delivery. Median loperamide milk concentrations were 0.18 mcg/L at 12 hours after the first dose, 0.27 mcg/L at 6 hours after the second dose, and 0.19 mcg/L at 24 hours after the second dose.[1]

Infant Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Effects in Breastfed Infants

Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Effects on Lactation and Breastmilk

Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

References

1.
Nikodem VC, Hofmeyr GJ. Secretion of the antidiarrhoeal agent loperamide oxide in breast milk. Eur J Clin Pharmacol. 1992;42:695–6. [PubMed: 1623917]

Substance Identification

Substance Name

Loperamide

CAS Registry Number

53179-11-6

Drug Class

Breast Feeding

Lactation

Antidiarrheals

Gastrointestinal Agents

Disclaimer: Information presented in this database is not meant as a substitute for professional judgment. You should consult your healthcare provider for breastfeeding advice related to your particular situation. The U.S. government does not warrant or assume any liability or responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the information on this Site.

Further information

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