The short answer
- Every Imodium product contains loperamide, usually 2 mg per unit; the look depends on the form and country.
- Don’t identify medicines by colour alone. Check the imprint (letters and numbers on the pill) against a pill identifier, or ask a pharmacist.
- Dose limit: usually 4 mg first, then 2 mg after each loose stool, maximum 6–8 units a day over the counter depending on the product.
| Product |
Typical appearance |
Contains |
| Imodium Original capsules (UK, Europe) |
Hard capsule, green body with dark grey cap |
Loperamide 2 mg |
| Imodium A-D caplets (US) |
Green oblong caplet |
Loperamide 2 mg |
| Imodium Instants / Imodium Melts |
Small white round tablet that dissolves on the tongue |
Loperamide 2 mg |
| Imodium Multi-Symptom Relief / Imodium Plus |
White caplet or chewable tablet |
Loperamide 2 mg + simeticone |
| Generic loperamide capsules |
Often green/grey or green/white, depending on the maker |
Loperamide 2 mg |
| Gastro-Stop (Australia), other brand tablets |
Small tablets or capsules; see the pack |
Loperamide 2 mg |
| Loperamide liquid (US, some markets) |
Clear liquid |
1 mg per 7.5 mL (check label) |
Formulations and colours change, so treat this table as a guide only. The pack, blister foil and imprint code are definitive.
How to identify a pill safely
- Look for the imprint code (for example letters, a logo or a number), plus shape and colour.
- Enter them into a reliable pill identifier (such as Drugs.com’s Pill Identifier or MIMS in Australia), or show the pill to a pharmacist.
- Keep medicines in their original blister or bottle; pill organisers are where mix-ups start.
- If a child or someone else may have swallowed an unknown pill, call a poisons information centre (Australia 13 11 26, US 1-800-222-1222, UK NHS 111) with the pill in hand.
Using loperamide correctly
For adults with sudden diarrhoea, the usual dose is 4 mg (two capsules) at first, then 2 mg after each loose stool, up to the label maximum. Stop when stools become normal, and see a doctor if diarrhoea lasts more than 48 hours. Don’t use it with fever, blood in the stool or severe abdominal pain, or for young children unless a doctor advises it. Very high doses can cause dangerous heart rhythm problems; the US FDA has warned about misuse. More in the stomach medicines guide and in Imodium before surgery.
Frequently asked questions
What are green and white loperamide capsules?
Several generic manufacturers make 2 mg loperamide capsules in green and white or green and grey shells. Check the imprint code against a pill identifier to confirm.
What do Imodium soft capsules look like?
Soft-gel (liquid-filled) versions are sold in some markets, and their colour and shape vary by country and pack. The blister foil names the product; for loose capsules, use the imprint code.
Are Imodium Instants as strong as capsules?
Yes, each contains 2 mg loperamide. They dissolve on the tongue, which helps if you feel nauseous, and are taken without water.
Sources and further reading
CanforaMedicine Guide
