CONSUMER MEDICINE INFORMATION
GASTRO-STOP*
LOPERAMIDE CAPSULES
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
This leaflet provides a summary of some of the important things you need to know about this
medicine. Only your doctor or pharmacist is able to weigh up all the relevant facts and you
should consult them about all aspects of this medicine as it relates to you.
What is Gastro-Stop*?
Your medication is called Gastro-Stop*.
Each capsule contains 2mg loperamide hydrochloride. It also contains maize starch, lactose,
povidone, sodium starch glycolate, magnesium stearate and water. The capsule shell contains
gelatin and is coloured with patent blue V (E131), titanium dioxide (E171), yellow iron oxide
(E172) and black iron oxide (E172).
Gastro-Stop* capsules are green and grey in colour, and come in packs of 6 and 12. The
capsules are marked "LOP2" on both halves.
What is Gastro-Stop* used for?
Gastro-Stop* belongs to a group of drugs used for the treatment of diarrhoea.
Gastro-Stop* capsules are used to treat acute diarrhoea for short periods; i.e. up to 2 days in
adults and children over 12 years old. Doctors may sometimes prescribe these capsules for
other reasons; ask your doctor or pharmacist for information.
Do not give Gastro-Stop* to children under 12 years of age.
Before you take Gastro-Stop*
If the answer to any of the following questions is YES, consult your doctor or pharmacist
before taking Gastro-Stop*.
* Have you ever had an allergic reaction to loperamide?
* Is your diarrhoea accompanied by fever, or by blood in the stools?
* Are you taking any other medication, especially antibiotics, tranquillizers, or narcotic
pain medication ?
* Will you be drinking alcohol while taking this medication?
* Are you pregnant or breast feeding?
* Do you suffer from glaucoma?
* Do you suffer from bowel obstruction, constipation or abdominal bloating?
* Do you suffer from Inflammatory Bowel Disease; e.g. colitis?
* Do you suffer from liver disease?
* Do you suffer from kidney disease?
* Do you suffer from bladder obstruction?
* Are you under 12 years of age?
* Are you over 65 years of age?
Taking Gastro-Stop*
- Always follow the directions which are on the label. If you do not understand these
directions, or you are in any doubt, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
- These capsules should be swallowed with a glass of water.
- You should not continue to take these capsules for longer than 48 hours, unless your
doctor tells you to. If you forget to take a capsule after a loose bowel motion, take
another as soon as you remember. If diarrhoea persists after 48 hours, see a doctor.
- In the event of an accidental overdose, contact your nearest hospital casualty
department or your doctor immediately.
After taking Gastro-Stop*
As with most medicines, Gastro-Stop* can sometimes cause unwanted side-effects in some
people.
If you experience any of these or other symptoms, tell your doctor immediately:
* Abdominal cramps or bloating,
* Nausea and/or vomiting,
* Tiredness,
* Skin reactions such as nettle rash or hives.
* Blurred vision
* Giddiness
Also, if you feel any other unexpected symptoms, see your doctor.
Storing Gastro-Stop*
Do not use this medicine after the expiry date shown on the outside packaging.
These capsules should be stored in a cool, dry place away from light, in the package supplied.
Do not transfer them to another container. Keep them in a secure place where children
cannot get at them. This medicine is for you ONLY, do not give it to anyone else. Unless
your doctor tells you to, do not keep these capsules for longer than you need.
Further Information
This leaflet only gives a brief outline of some of the more important points about Gastro-
Stop*. If you want to know more about these capsules or their effects, please ask your
pharmacist.
Aspen Pharmacare Australia Pty Ltd
34-36 Chandos St
St Leonards NSW 2065
AUSTRALIA
Registration No: AUST R 48935
Date of this document: 12th May 1994
Date last revised: 13 February 2003
* Trademark