Loperamide Pediatric Dose Calculator
Age-based loperamide dosing for children — First dose: 4 mg, then 2 mg per dose · after each loose stool · max 8 mg/day. Enter age and weight for the dose in mg and oral solution mL or capsules.
Pediatric dosing
Acute non-bloody diarrhoea in adolescents
Loperamide dose chart by age and weight
Acute non-bloody diarrhoea in adolescents. Weights are WHO/IAP reference medians for age — always dose on the measured weight.
| Age | Weight | Dose (mg) | Oral solution 1 mg/7.5 mL | Oral solution 1 mg/5 mL | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 years | 39.4 kg | 2 mg | 15 mL | 10 mL | After each loose stool |
Strengths in the calculator
- Capsule 2 mg (Oral)
- Oral solution 1 mg/7.5 mL (Oral)
- Oral solution 1 mg/5 mL (Oral)
Different strength on your bottle? Use “Different strength on the bottle?” under the result.
Safety
Contraindications and cautions
- Children under 2 years — paralytic ileus and deaths reported. Not recommended under 12 years in most guidelines.
- Bloody diarrhoea, fever, suspected invasive or C. difficile infection.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Legacy FDA category C. Avoid in the first trimester if possible.
Small amounts in milk; occasional use is acceptable.
Clinical notes
Not a treatment for acute diarrhoea in children — use ORS, zinc and continued feeding.
Adult and adolescent (≥40 kg) dose
2 mg — 4 mg first, then 2 mg after each loose stool (max 4 mg per dose, 16 mg per day).
OTC maximum 8 mg/day; 16 mg/day on prescription.
Other names and brands
Also known as Loperamide hydrochloride.
- USA: Imodium
- UK: Imodium
Brand examples only — products and strengths vary by country. Always check the label.
Frequently asked questions
What is the loperamide dose for children?
Acute non-bloody diarrhoea in adolescents: First dose: 4 mg, then 2 mg per dose · after each loose stool · max 8 mg/day. Usual duration: Maximum 2 days. Always use the child's measured weight and check the strength on the bottle.
How many mL of oral solution 1 mg/7.5 mL for a 39.4 kg child?
For acute non-bloody diarrhoea in adolescents, a 39.4 kg child (about 12 years) needs 2 mg per dose — 15 mL of Oral solution 1 mg/7.5 mL, after each loose stool. Recalculate with the child's actual weight.
From what age can loperamide be given?
Age range in PediaRx: ≥12 years – adult (restricted). The calculator does not calculate a dose below 12 years. Each indication can have its own age and weight limits, shown with its regimen.
Is loperamide safe in pregnancy?
Legacy FDA category C. Avoid in the first trimester if possible.
Sources and editorial process
- Loperamide — OTC and prescribing information — DailyMed (U.S. National Library of Medicine)
Dosing data last updated 2026-09-27. PediaRx is built and maintained by Dr. Shounak Pal, MBBS (Medical Officer, Government of West Bengal, India — founder and developer of PediaRx). Every regimen is encoded with explicit units, maximum doses and age/weight limits and is checked by automated tests before publication. Report an error: hello@pediarx.com.
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Clinical disclaimer: reference tool for qualified health professionals. Verify every dose against current guidance and the product label before prescribing.
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