Short answer: Do not take Imodium (loperamide) during pregnancy unless advised by your healthcare provider. For most pregnancies, safer approaches exist and a clinician can weigh benefits and risks based on your situation. What to know
- Medical guidance varies: many sources caution that there isn’t enough high-quality evidence to confirm safety of loperamide in pregnancy, and recommend talking to a doctor before use. If you’re pregnant or planning pregnancy, consult your obstetrician or a pharmacist for personalized advice.
- When diarrhea occurs during pregnancy, dehydration is a bigger concern. If you have persistent or severe diarrhea (lasting more than a couple of days, or if you’re unable to keep fluids down), seek medical care promptly.
- Non-drug measures are often preferred first: staying hydrated with oral rehydration solutions, eating bland foods as tolerated, and monitoring for warning signs (fever, blood in stool, severe abdominal pain) are important.
What to discuss with your clinician
- Your gestational age and the severity/frequency of diarrhea.
- Underlying causes (infection, food intolerance, travel, medication changes, etc.).
- Alternatives or safer options if treatment is needed (rehydration, dietary adjustments, and, if a clinician agrees, the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration).
Red flags that require urgent care
- High fever, blood in stools, signs of dehydration (very dry mouth, dizziness, minimal urine), or if diarrhea lasts more than 2–3 days in pregnancy.
If you’d like, share your trimester, symptoms, and any other medications you’re taking, and I can help summarize what to discuss with your healthcare provider.
