Is taking too much Imodium bad for You?
You should not use Imodium A-D if you are allergic to loperamide, or if you have:
- stomach pain without diarrhea;
- diarrhea with a high fever;
- ulcerative colitis;
- diarrhea that is caused by a bacterial infection; or
- stools that are bloody, black, or tarry.
When not to use Imodium?
You should not use Imodium/- Lingual if you have ulcerative colitis, bloody or tarry stools, diarrhea with a high fever, or diarrhea caused by antibiotic medication. How much Imodium/- Lingual take daily? You should not take more than eight tablets (16mg) per day unless instructed otherwise by your doctor. Does Imodium/- Lingual affect the liver?
How long can you safely take Imodium?
Talk with your doctor before taking Imodium if you have any of the following conditions: Do not take more than the maximum daily dosage of Imodium. Also, do not take it for longer than 2 days unless directed by a doctor to do so. You should see an improvement in your symptoms within 2 days.
How often to take Imodium?
The Safety of Taking Imodium to Treat Diarrhea
- Uses
- Contraindications and Modifications. Do not take Imodium if you see any sign of rectal bleeding or blood in your stool. ...
- Dosage. For best results, follow the dosing information on the medication packaging. ...
- Common Side Effects. Imodium tends to be well-tolerated and to cause minimal side effects. ...
- A Word From Verywell. ...
What should I not take with Imodium?
Because of possible drug interactions, you should avoid taking certain other medications with Imodium. However, there aren’t any foods, vitamins, h...
Can Imodium make you feel ‘high’?
No, taking Imodium at the recommended dosage to treat diarrhea won’t make you feel “high.” At this dosage, Imodium doesn’t affect your brain. Inste...
Is misusing Imodium dangerous?
Yes, misusing Imodium can be very dangerous. (Misuse is also sometimes called abuse.) In fact, misusing Imodium can cause serious heart problems, s...
What should I do if I’m still having diarrhea after taking Imodium?
If you’re still having diarrhea after your first dose of Imodium, take another dose after each loose stool that follows. But only take doses up to...
Will I be able to poop after I take Imodium?
Yes, you should be able to. Imodium slows down the contractions in your intestine so that you pass firmer stools less often. But usually, the drug...
Is Imodium safe to use?
Yes, Imodium is generally considered to be a very safe drug when it’s taken correctly. (This means it’s taken according to the instructions on its...
Is Imodium gluten free?
It’s not known for sure. The manufacturer of Imodium hasn’t specified whether the drug is gluten free. Imodium is available in four different produ...
If I have diarrhea from other drugs, such as metformin, can I take Imodium?
Yes, it’s possible. If your doctor says it’s safe, you may be able to take Imodium for diarrhea that’s caused by other drugs. This includes metform...
Before Taking This Medicine
You should not use Imodium if you are allergic to loperamide, or if you have: 1. stomach pain without diarrhea; 2. diarrhea with a high fever; 3. u...
How Should I Take Imodium?
Use Imodium exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.Imodium is safe when used as directed. TAKING TOO MUCH LOPERAMIDE CAN...
Imodium Dosing Information
Usual Adult Dose for Diarrhea -- Acute:4 mg orally after the first loose stool, then 2 mg orally after each unformed stoolMaximum dose: 16 mg per d...
What Happens If I Miss A Dose?
Since Imodium is used when needed, it does not have a daily dosing schedule. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after using this medi...
What Happens If I Overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose of loperamide can be fatal.Overdose symptoms may inclu...
What Should I Avoid While Taking Imodium?
Avoid drinking tonic water. It can interact with loperamide and may cause serious heart problems.Avoid becoming dehydrated by drinking plenty of fl...
What Other Drugs Will Affect Imodium?
Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medications at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you take. Ask a doctor...
How old do you have to be to take imodium?
Imodium is used in adults and children ages 2 years and older. However, children ages 2 to 5 years old should only be given Imodium if it’s recommended by a doctor. Kaopectate is used in adults and children ages 12 years and older.
How many caps of imodium should I take for diarrhea?
The recommended dosage for adults and children ages 12 years and older is as follows: Take two caplets after your first loose stool. Then take one caplet after each loose stool that follows.
What is imodium used for?
Imodium A-D is used to treat diarrhea. Imodium Multi-Symptom Relief is used to treat diarrhea along with gas, bloating, and cramps. Kaopectate is used to relieve diarrhea and upset stomach, including symptoms of nausea, gas, heartburn, and indigestion. Imodium is used in adults and children ages 2 years and older.
How to treat diarrhea with imodium?
To treat acute diarrhea, you’ll take Imodium after your first loose stool. Then you’ll take Imodium after each loose stool that follows. But don’t take more than the maximum daily dose of this drug. (For information about this, see the “ Imodium dosage ” section above.)
What is the difference between imodium and lomotil?
Imodium Multi-Symptom Relief is used to treat diarrhea along with gas, bloating, and cramps. Lomotil is used as an add-on treatment for diarrhea that’s not controlled with other medications. Imodium is used in adults and children ages 2 years and older.
How long can you take imodium for diarrhea?
Also, don’t take more than the recommended dosage of Imodium for your condition. And don’t take more Imodium than the maximum recommended dose within 24 hours. If your diarrhea isn’t controlled after 48 hours of Imodium treatment, see your doctor.
What is the drug in Imodium?
Imodium is available in four different products, which all contain the drug loperamide. Loperamide is an antimotility drug. This means it slows down movements in your intestine and helps to control diarrhea.
What is imodium A-D used for?
Imodium A-D is used to treat diarrhea. Imodium A-D 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).
How long does it take for imodium to work?
Drink plenty of liquids while you are taking this medicine. It may take up to 48 hours of taking Imodium A-D 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.
How to take loperamide?
This medicine doses in children are based on the child's age. Take Imodium A-D with a full glass of water. Diarrhea can cause your body to lose fluids and electrolytes. Drink plenty of liquids to keep from getting dehydrated.
How to know if you're overdosed on loperamide?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose of loperamide can be fatal. Overdose symptoms may include fast or irregular heartbeats, or fainting. A person caring for you should seek emergency medical attention if you pass out and are hard to wake up.
Can Imodium A-D be frozen?
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not allow the liquid medicine to freeze. Stop taking Imodium A-D and call your doctor if you still have diarrhea after 2 days of treatment, or if you also have stomach bloating. Detailed Imodium A-D dosage information.
Can you take Loperamide and other medications at the same time?
Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medications at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you take. Ask a doctor or pharmacist about safely using medications together. Loperamide can cause a serious heart problem with high doses.
Does imodium cause hives?
Imodium A-D side effects. Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Imodium A-D ( hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning in your eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash that spreads and causes blistering and peeling).
How much imodium should I take for a child?
Don’t take more than 4 mg per day. Children 29-47 pounds (ages 2-5 years): Use Imodium only by the advice of your child’s doctor.
How long can I take imodium?
Imodium is available as a caplet and a liquid. Both forms are taken by mouth. These forms should be used for no more than two days. However, the caplet is also available in a prescription form that may be used long-term. The prescription-strength form is used to treat diarrhea caused by digestive diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease.
How does imodium work?
The active ingredient in Imodium is the drug loperamide. It works by making the muscles in your intestines contract more slowly. This in turn slows the movement of food and fluids through your digestive tract, which allows the bowel to absorb more fluids and nutrients.
How long does diarrhea last with imodium?
Also call your doctor if your symptoms get worse or your diarrhea lasts longer than two days. A range of OTC medications can help treat diarrhea. The information above can help you decide if Imodium is a good choice for you.
Why can't I take imodium?
This may require treatment with a different medication. Don’t take Imodium if you have blood in your stools or black stools. These symptoms likely mean there is a problem in your stomach or intestines.
Is imodium safe to take?
Imodium is a safe medication for most people. However, it should be used carefully. And in some cases, it should be avoided. The following warnings can help keep you safe.
Does imodium cause constipation?
The interactions can lead to increased levels of either medication in your body. Imodium also interacts with other anti-diarrheal drugs or medications that cause constipation.
What are the side effects of imodium?
What are side effects of Imodium? 1 severe constipation/ nausea / vomiting, 2 stomach or abdominal pain, or 3 uncomfortable fullness of the stomach or abdomen.
What is imodium hydrochloride?
IMODIUM® (loperamide hydrochloride) is indicated for the control and symptomatic relief of acute nonspecific diarrhea and of chronic diarrhea associated with inflammatory bowel disease. IMODIUM® (loperamide hcl) is also indicated for reducing the volume of discharge from ileostomies.
What is imodium used for?
Imodium (loperamide hydrochloride) is an antidiarrheal 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 is available in generic form and over-the-counter ( OTC ).
When should Imodium be discontinued?
IMODIUM (loperamide hcl) must be discontinued promptly when constipation, abdominal distention or ileus develop.
Why is IMODIUM used in children?
IMODIUM® (loperamide hcl) should be used with special caution in young children because of the greater variability of response in this age group. Dehydration, particularly in younger children, may further influence the variability of response to IMODIUM® (loperamide hcl) .
Is IMODIUM a pharmacokinetic drug?
Although no pharmacokinetic data are available in patients with hepatic impairment, IMODIUM (loperamide hcl) should be used with caution in such patients because of reduced first pass metabolism. (see PRECAUTIONS ).
Does loperamide cause diarrhea?
A number of the adverse events reported during the clinical investigations and post- marketing experience with loperamide are frequent symptoms of the underlying diarrheal syndrome (abdominal pain/discomfort, nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, tiredness, drowsiness, dizziness, constipation, and flatulence). These symptoms are often difficult to distinguish from undesirable drug effects.
INDICATIONS AND USAGE
IMODIUM® (loperamide hydrochloride) is indicated for the control and symptomatic relief of acute nonspecific diarrhea and of chronic diarrhea associated with inflammatory bowel disease. IMODIUM® is also indicated for reducing the volume of discharge from ileostomies.
HOW SUPPLIED
Capsules - each capsule contains 2 mg of loperamide hydrochloride. The capsules have a light green body and a dark green cap with "JANSSEN" imprinted on one segment and "IMODIUM" on the other segment. IMODIUM® capsules are supplied in bottles of 100.
Product Overview
IMODIUM A-D Oral Solution (liquid) is the fastest single ingredient OTC anti-diarrheal, allowing you to get back to doing the things you love. This product helps control the symptoms of diarrhea, including Travelers’ Diarrhea.
Warnings
Allergy alert: Do not use if you have ever had a rash or other allergic reaction to Loperamide HCl.
Adult Dosage
Acute: Initially 4mg, then 2mg after each loose stool; max 8mg/day. Stop after 48 hours if ineffective. Chronic: initially 4mg; maintenance 4–8mg/day. Reevaluate if no improvement after 10 days at 16mg/day.
Adverse Reactions
Abdominal pain, distention, constipation, dry mouth, nausea, drowsiness, dizziness, fatigue, rash.
Usual Adult Dose for Diarrhea - Acute
4 mg orally after the first loose stool, then 2 mg orally after each unformed stool Maximum dose: 16 mg per day Comments: -Clinical improvement is usually seen within 48 hours. Use (s): Control and symptomatic relief of acute nonspecific diarrhea
Usual Adult Dose for Diarrhea - Chronic
4 mg orally after the first loose stool, then 2 mg orally after each unformed stool until diarrhea is controlled Maximum dose: 16 mg per day Comments: -Clinical improvement is usually seen within 48 hours. -After diarrhea is controlled, reduce dose to meet individual requirements -When optimal daily dose has been established, this dose may be given as a single dose or in divided doses. -The average maintenance dose in clinical trials was 4 to 8 mg daily. -If no clinical improvement is seen with 16 mg per day after at least 10 days, symptoms are unlikely to be controlled by further administration. -Administration may be continued if diarrhea cannot be adequately controlled with diet or specific treatment. Use (s): Control and symptomatic relief of chronic diarrhea associated with inflammatory bowel disease..
Usual Pediatric Dose for Diarrhea - Acute
2 to 5 years (13 to 20 kg): First day dosage schedule: 1 mg orally 3 times a day (3 mg total daily dose) Subsequent daily dosage: 1 mg only after a loose stool, not to exceed 3 mg/day 6 to 8 years (20 to 30 kg): First day dosage schedule: 2 mg orally twice a day 2 (4 mg total daily dose) Subsequent daily dosage: 2 mg only after a loose stool, not to exceed 4 mg/day 9 to 12 years (over 30 kg): First day dosage schedule: 2 mg orally 3 times a day (6 mg total daily dose) Subsequent daily dosage: 2 mg only after a loose stool, not to exceed 6 mg/day 13 years and older: 4 mg orally after the first loose stool, then 2 mg orally after each unformed stool Maximum dose: 16 mg per day Comments: -Do not use in patients less than 2 years old due to the risks of respiratory depression and serious cardiac adverse reactions. -Clinical improvement is usually seen within 48 hours. Use (s): Control and symptomatic relief of acute nonspecific diarrhea.
Liver Dose Adjustments
Use with caution. -Systemic exposure may be increased due to reduced metabolism.
Precautions
US BOXED WARNING (S): -Cases of Torsades de Pointes, cardiac arrest, and death have been reported with use of higher than recommended doses. -Contraindicated in pediatric patients less than 2 years of age. -Avoid doses higher than recommended due to the risk of serious cardiac adverse reactions. Safety and efficacy have not been established in patients younger than 2 years. Consult WARNINGS section for additional precautions..
Other Comments
Administration advice: -Avoid doses higher than recommended due to the risk of serious cardiac reactions. -Use the non-prescription liquid formulation for patients 2 to 5 years old. -For patients 6 years and older, either the liquid formulation or tablets/capsules may be used. General: -Patients should receive fluid and electrolyte replacement as needed..
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.