Imodium belongs to the family of medications called antidiarrheals. It is used to treat short bouts of diarrhea that are not caused by a bacterial infection. It is also used to treat chronic diarrhea caused by inflammatory bowel disease (e.g., Crohn's disease) and to reduce the amount of stool produced for people who have ileostomies, colostomies, or have had part of their intestines removed. It works by slowing down the movement of the gut. This decreases the number of bowel movements and makes the stool less watery.
Directions
It is important to use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. For adults and children 12 years of age and older who have acute or chronic diarrhea, the recommended dose is 4 mg, followed by a 2 mg dose after each loose bowel movement (or bout of diarrhea). Do not exceed 16 mg per day. Children 6 to 12 years of age the recommended dose is 2 mg 3 times daily. Stop using it if you have a solid or hard stool or if you go for 24 hours without a bowel movement.
Precautions
Before taking Imodium, tell your doctor if you are allergic to loperamide or if you have any other allergies, stomach/abdominal pain without diarrhea, bowel obstruction. Loperamide should not be used for more than 2 days. Check with your doctor if your diarrhea does not stop after two days or if you develop a fever. Elderly persons with diarrhea must receive a sufficient amount of liquids to replace the fluid lost by the body.
Contraindications
This medicine should not be used in children under 6 years of age, if you are allergic to loperamide or any ingredients of the medication. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Possible side effect
Contact your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur: bloating, skin rash, stomach pain, loss of appetite, dizziness, dryness of mouth, nausea or vomiting, gas, tiredness, rash, trouble breathing.
Drug interactions
If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist: barbiturates, phenothiazines, ritonavir, benzodiazepines, quinidine, tricyclic antidepressants. An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking.
Missed dose
Take the missed dose as soon as possible. Skip the missed dose if it is time for your next scheduled dose. Don't take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Overdose
If you think you have overdosed the medicine seek emergency medical help at once. The overdose symptoms are difficult urination, slowed breathing, deep sleep.
Storage
Store the medicine at room temperature between 59-77 degrees F (15-25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Keep all drugs away from reach of children and pets.
Note
The information presented at the site has a general character. Note please this information cannot be used for self-treatment and self diagnosis. You should consult with your doctor or health care adviser regarding any specific instructions of your condition. The information is reliable, but we concede it could contain mistakes. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other damage caused by use of this information on the site and also for consequences of self-treatment.
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