Imodium

Imodium

Generic Name: loperamide (oral) (loe PER a mide)

Brand Names: Diamode, Imodium A-D, Imodium A-D EZ Chews, Imodium A-D New Formula, Kao-Paverin, Kaopectate 1-D, Maalox Anti-Diarrheal

What is Imodium?

Imodium slows the rhythm of digestion so that the small intestines have more time to absorb fluid and nutrients from the foods you eat.

Imodium is used to treat diarrhea. Imodium is also used to reduce the amount of stool in people who have an ileostomy (re-routing of the bowel through a surgical opening in the stomach).

Imodium may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Important information about Imodium

You should not use Imodium if you are allergic to loperamide, or if you have stools that are bloody, black, or tarry, or if you have diarrhea that is caused by taking an antibiotic.

Before taking Imodium, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have a fever, mucus in your stools, a history of liver disease, or if you are taking an antibiotic.

Drink extra water while you are taking this medication to keep from getting dehydrated. It may take up to 48 hours of taking Imodium before your symptoms improve. Keep using the medication as directed and tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 10 days of treatment.

Imodium can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.

Before taking Imodium

Do not use Imodium if you are allergic to loperamide, or if you have:

stools that are bloody, black, or tarry; or

if you have diarrhea that is caused by taking an antibiotic.

Before taking Imodium, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

a fever;

mucus in your stools;

a history of liver disease; or

if you are taking an antibiotic.

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take Imodium.

FDA pregnancy category B. Imodium is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether loperamide passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 2 years old without the advice of a doctor.

See also: Imodium pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)

How should I take Imodium?

Use Imodium exactly as directed on the label, or as it has been prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Take Imodium with a full glass of water. Drink extra water while you are taking this medication to keep from getting dehydrated.

Imodium is usually taken at the first sign of diarrhea, and again if diarrhea comes back. The first dose of Imodium is usually twice as much as the following doses. Do not take this medication more than 3 times in 24 hours without your doctor's advice.

The Imodium chewable tablet should be chewed before swallowing.

Shake the liquid form of this medicine well just before you measure a dose. To be sure you get the correct dose, measure the liquid with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

Imodium A-D Liquid and New Immodium A-D Liquid contain two different strengths of loperamide. If you switch from using one brand to using the other, follow the dosing instructions carefully. Imodium A-D Liquid also contains a small amount of alcohol, but New Imodium A-D Liquid does not.

It may take up to 48 hours of using this medicine before your symptoms improve. For best results, keep using the medication as directed. Talk with your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 10 days of treatment.

Store Imodium at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not allow the liquid form of this medicine to freeze.

See also: Imodium dosage (in more detail)

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since Imodium is usually taken as needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. If you are taking the medication regularly, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include dizziness, drowsiness, urinating less than usual, severe stomach cramps or bloating, and vomiting.

What should I avoid while taking Imodium?

Imodium may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.

Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise and in hot weather. Follow your doctor's instructions about the type and amount of liquids you should drink.

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or has blood in it, call your doctor. Do not use Imodium to stop the diarrhea unless your doctor has told you to.

Imodium side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Imodium: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

stomach pain or bloating;

ongoing or worsening diarrhea;

diarrhea that is watery or bloody; or

fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash.

Less serious Imodium side effects may include:

dizziness;

drowsiness, tired feeling;

constipation;

mild stomach pain; or

mild skin rash or itching.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

See also: Imodium side effects (in more detail)

What other drugs will affect Imodium?

Before taking Imodium, tell your doctor if you are also taking saquinavir (Invirase).

This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with Imodium. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

More Imodium resources

Imodium Side Effects (in More Detail)

Imodium Dosage

Imodium Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Imodium Drug Interactions

Imodium Support Group

0 Reviews for Imodium - Add your own review/rating

Imodium Prescribing Information (FDA)

Imodium MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)

Imodium Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information

Loperamide Prescribing Information (FDA)

Imodium A-D MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)

Loperamide Hydrochloride Monograph (AHFS DI)

Compare Imodium with other medications

Diarrhea

Diarrhea, Acute

Diarrhea, Chronic

Traveler's Diarrhea

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about Imodium.