Crosscheck

Your medical. Crosschecked.

Stomach

Loperamide

Other names: Imodium

The FAA's guidance for loperamide depends on what it is taken for. Each use is below, with its own FAA source and date.

Taken for diarrhea or another short-term use

FAA guidance

Do not fly while taking it.

Wait

At least 5 dosage intervals after the last dose (over-the-counter guide)

FAA label

NO GO

Source: FAA, What Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications Can I Take and Still Be Safe to Fly?. FAA date 28 August 2024. Checked by Crosscheck 14 October 2026

The FAA's over-the-counter guide lists loperamide (Imodium) in its Avoid (No Go) column, among products it says can cause incapacitation, and says that if you take any of its No Go medications you should wait at least five dosage intervals after the last dose before flying.

Track your medications
More detail: loperamideThe rest of Crosscheck's reading, in plain wordsOpen

It notes that loperamide should not be used during acute illness as it can cause dizziness, and that when taken daily for a chronic condition it may require a special issuance. It notes that GI illness can cause dehydration, cramps and pain with increase in altitude.

Show the FAA's words: loperamideThe official FAA wording: two passages, each with its document and dateOpen
FAA, What Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications Can I Take and Still Be Safe to Fly? · FAA date 28 August 2024
AVOID
These can cause incapacitation.
NO GO
loperamide (Imodium)
GI illness can cause dehydration, cramps, and pain with increase in altitude. NOTE: Loperamide should not be used during acute illness as it can cause dizziness. When taken daily for a chronic condition, it may require a special issuance.
FAA, What Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications Can I Take and Still Be Safe to Fly? · FAA date 28 August 2024
4. NO GO Medications:
If you take any of the NO GO medications listed in the OTC Medications Reference Table OR if you have previously had side effects from the medication, wait at least five (5) dosage intervals after the last dose before flying.
Sources and dates: loperamideOne FAA document, with the FAA's date and when Crosscheck checked itOpen

Taken for colitis or irritable bowel syndrome

loperamide for colitis

FAA guidance

Acceptable with conditions.

Examiner

CACI: the examiner can issue when the condition's worksheet criteria are met. Applicants for first- or second-class must provide the worksheet's information annually; applicants for third-class with each required exam

Source: FAA, CACI – Colitis Worksheet. FAA date 29 April 2026. Checked by Crosscheck 14 October 2026

For Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, microscopic colitis or irritable bowel syndrome, the FAA's CACI – Colitis Worksheet lists loperamide at 16 mg a day or less with no side effects among the medications for the condition; the worksheet applies with all its other criteria.

Compare FAA documents: loperamide for colitisWhat each of the two FAA documents says, in plain wordsOpen

The FAA's over-the-counter guide lists loperamide in its Avoid (No Go) column and says that when taken daily for a chronic condition it may require a special issuance. The documents do not say the same thing; both are quoted.

Show the FAA's words: loperamide for colitisThe official FAA wording: two passages, each with its document and dateOpen
FAA, CACI – Colitis Worksheet · FAA date 29 April 2026
Cause of Colitis
Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, microscopic colitis, or irritable bowel syndrome
Medications for condition
One or more of the following:
loperamide less than or equal to 16 mg a day and no side effects
FAA, What Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications Can I Take and Still Be Safe to Fly? · FAA date 28 August 2024
AVOID
NO GO
loperamide (Imodium)
When taken daily for a chronic condition, it may require a special issuance.
Sources and dates: loperamide for colitisTwo FAA documents, with the FAA's date and when Crosscheck checked themOpen

Taking it for something else? The entries here do not cover that use. The FAA may address it in the guidance for your condition. Ask your examiner.

See also

Medication guidance alone does not determine whether a pilot is medically qualified to fly. The underlying condition, dosage, side effects, medication combinations, and certification history may affect FAA eligibility.

For informational purposes only. Not legal or medical advice.