loperamide hydrochloride + simeticone at a glance
Medicine class
Antimotility antidiarrhoeal combined with an antifoaming agent.
Licensed role
Symptomatic relief of acute diarrhoea when gas-related abdominal discomfort is also present.
Age restriction
The selected product is contraindicated in children under 12 years.
Administration
Swallow the tablet whole with water; the score line is not intended for splitting.
Hydration
Diarrhoea can cause fluid and salt loss, so maintaining hydration remains important.
What is loperamide hydrochloride + simeticone used for?
The selected product has one licensed symptomatic use.
Acute diarrhoea accompanied by gas-related bloating, cramping or flatulence in adults and adolescents within the approved age group.
How does loperamide hydrochloride + simeticone work?
Loperamide acts at opioid receptors in the bowel wall, slowing propulsive movement and allowing more water and electrolytes to be reabsorbed. Simeticone is not absorbed; it reduces the surface tension of gas bubbles so trapped gas can disperse or pass more easily.
How to take loperamide hydrochloride + simeticone
Use by mouth according to the packet instructions. Swallow tablets whole with water; they may be taken with or without food. Do not split them along the marking, and do not exceed the amount stated on the pack.
Continue replacing fluids and salts lost through diarrhoea.
Stop and seek advice if symptoms persist, worsen or new symptoms develop.
loperamide hydrochloride + simeticone side effects
Common or expected effects
- Headache
- Feeling sick
- Altered taste
Get urgent medical advice
- Severe allergic reaction, including facial or throat swelling and breathing difficulty
- Severe blistering or peeling skin reaction
- Loss or reduction of consciousness, marked drowsiness or uncoordinated movement
- Severe constipation, abdominal swelling or signs of bowel obstruction
- Severe upper abdominal pain, fever, vomiting or a rapid pulse suggesting pancreatitis
- Difficulty urinating
loperamide hydrochloride + simeticone in pregnancy
The combination is not normally used during pregnancy unless a clinician considers it justified, particularly because evidence for loperamide is limited. Discuss diarrhoea, hydration and alternatives with a doctor, pharmacist or midwife before using it.
loperamide hydrochloride + simeticone while breastfeeding
Loperamide alone is generally considered compatible with breastfeeding because milk exposure is very small. However, the selected combination product is not recommended unless expected benefit outweighs possible risk, so check with a pharmacist or prescriber; simeticone is not absorbed and is not excreted into breast milk.
loperamide hydrochloride + simeticone interactions
Loperamide exposure or the effects of other medicines may change when they are taken together. Tell a pharmacist or prescriber about all medicines and supplements.
Quinidine or ritonavir
These P-glycoprotein inhibitors can increase loperamide blood concentrations; the clinical relevance at labelled use is uncertain.
Itraconazole or ketoconazole
Inhibition of CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein can substantially increase loperamide exposure.
Gemfibrozil
CYP2C8 inhibition can increase loperamide exposure, particularly when combined with itraconazole.
Common questions about loperamide hydrochloride + simeticone
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is loperamide hydrochloride + simeticone used for?
It is licensed for sudden diarrhoea with gas-related bloating, cramping or flatulence; it relieves symptoms but does not treat every underlying cause.
How does it differ from loperamide alone?
Loperamide slows bowel movement, while simeticone helps trapped gas disperse; the combination is intended when diarrhoea and gas-related discomfort occur together.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.