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KADIAN vs LOPERAMIDE HYDROCHLORIDE

Independent side-by-side comparison.

Rated against independent regulatory sources·Last updated August 14, 2026·How we rate

Possible drug interaction. KADIAN and LOPERAMIDE HYDROCHLORIDE are different prescription medicines. Combining or switching between them can cause interactions — talk to a pharmacist or prescriber before making changes. This page is not medical advice.

Rating

72/100
70/100

Pharmacy pays

$2.61 /mL
$0.05 /mL

Type

RX
RX

Active ingredient

MORPHINE SULFATE
LOPERAMIDE HYDROCHLORIDE

Dosage forms

Capsule, extended release
Capsule

Drug class

Opioid Agonist
Opioid Agonist

Boxed warning

Half-life

about 2 hours
about 10.8 hours (range 9.1 to 14.4 hours)

Treats

Dyspnea, Intractable Pain
Functional Colonic Diseases, Diarrhea, Bacillary Dysentery

Frequently asked questions

Which is better-rated, Kadian or Loperamide Hydrochloride?

By our independent rating, Kadian scores higher — 3.6 vs 3.5 out of 5 for Loperamide Hydrochloride. Ratings are based on FDA regulatory (recall-safety) data.

Which is cheaper, Kadian or Loperamide Hydrochloride?

Loperamide Hydrochloride costs pharmacies less to acquire — about $0.05 vs $2.61 per ml, per the CMS NADAC survey. That gap is in the pharmacy's cost of goods, not necessarily in what you pay: your price is set afterwards by your insurer and the pharmacy.

What is the difference between Kadian and Loperamide Hydrochloride?

Kadian contains Morphine Sulfate, while Loperamide Hydrochloride contains Loperamide Hydrochloride — they have different active ingredients.

Ratings are based on FDA regulatory (recall-safety) data. This comparison is for general reference only — not medical advice. Always consult a licensed professional before choosing or switching a medication.