Precautions
Imodium is more effective than Pepto Bismol but Pepto Bismol has less side effects. However, when using a medication to stop diarrhea, you must understand that the body producing diarrhea is the way the body rids itself of disease causing microbes. Antidiarrheals are best used if diarrhea lasts for more than two days.
Is Imodium better for diarrhea than Pepto Bismol?
You should see your doctor. Never take Imodium if you have abdominal pain without diarrhea. Imodium is not approved to treat abdominal pain without diarrhea. Depending on the cause of your pain, taking Imodium could make the pain worse. To avoid overdose, be sure to carefully follow the dosage instructions on your Imodium package.
What happens if you take Imodium without diarrhea?
Pepto-Bismol
- Imodium A-D vs. Pepto-Bismol. ...
- Dosage. An important difference between Imodium A-D and Pepto-Bismol is that Imodium A-D can be used in children younger than 12 years.
- Side effects and warnings. If you take these drugs at the recommended dosage, side effects are not likely. ...
- Interactions. ...
- Other conditions. ...
- Pharmacist’s advice. ...
Which is better for diarrhea Imodium or Pepto Bismol?
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?
When not to use Imodium?
How fast does IMODIUM work for diarrhea?
Loperamide usually starts to work within 1 hour to make your diarrhoea better. Most people only need to take loperamide for 1 to 2 days. You may need to take it for longer if your diarrhoea is because of a bowel condition such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis or short bowel syndrome.
When should you not use IMODIUM?
Taking loperamide with certain other medications may also cause harm. See also Precautions, Drug Interactions, and Overdose sections. This medication should not be used by children younger than 2 years due to an increased risk of side effects (such as slow/shallow breathing, fast/irregular heartbeat).
Should I take IMODIUM if I have diarrhea?
Here's what to do if you get diarrhea: Take IMODIUM™ straight after your first bout – it can relieve diarrhea in just one hour so your body can start to recover sooner. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids and/or taking a rehydration treatment.
How do you poop after taking Imodium?
If you have constipation with Imodium, stop taking the drug. Constipation may last for a few days after you take Imodium, but it typically goes away on its own. And drinking plenty of water can help ease constipation. However, if you have constipation that doesn't improve after a few days, see your doctor.
Which is better Pepto-Bismol or Imodium?
The rest of their drug action differs, however. Imodium A-D slows the movement of fluids through your intestine and reduces the frequency and volume of your stools. Pepto-Bismol, on the other hand, reduces inflammation of your intestines and kills bacteria that cause diarrhea.
What should you not take with Imodium?
There may be an interaction between loperamide and any of the following:abiraterone.alcohol.amiodarone.anti-psychotics (e.g., chlorpromazine, clozapine, haloperidol, olanzapine, quetiapine, risperidone)"azole" antifungals (e.g., fluconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole)barbiturates (e.g., phenobarbital, butalbital)More items...
Is it better to take Imodium or let it run its course?
Although acute diarrhea generally resolves on its own, treating with IMODIUM® products relieves symptoms more quickly than letting diarrhea run its natural course.
Is Imodium safe to take daily?
You shouldn't use Imodium for more than 2 days in a row. A prescription-strength Imodium caplet is available for long-term use. It's usually prescribed to treat diarrhea caused by a chronic condition, such as inflammatory bowel disease. The recommended dosage for Imodium is based on age or weight.
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...
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 take a chewable tablet?
Take the chewable tablet on an empty stomach (1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal) Shake the oral suspension (liquid) before you measure a dose.
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.
What is the active ingredient in imodium?
IMODIUM ® products contain an active ingredient called Loperamide, which works to help restore your body’s natural rhythm in order to treat diarrhea. Learn about IMODIUM ® Products. IMODIUM ® Multi-Symptom Relief. It’s the only medicine that treats diarrhea along with the symptoms of gas, bloating, cramps and pressure.
How to manage acute diarrhea?
By making small changes to your lifestyle – such as knowing which foods to avoid – you may be able to regain control and spend more time feeling like yourself. Advice and lifestyle tips. Advice and lifestyle tips.
Can you get diarrhea while on vacation?
Traveler's diarrhea is a common health issue for those on vacation. We can all get struck by stomach flu when traveling. Read our tips on how to avoid diarrhea symptoms while on vacation. Travel advice.
How does imodium help with diarrhea?
1 Specifically, Imodium works in the following ways: Increases the absorption of fluids and electrolytes into the intestinal tract. Increases muscle tone in the anal sphincter, thus reducing the chances of a soiling accident.
Why can't I slow down my bowel movements?
coli . With a bacterial infection, you don't want to slow down the bowel because you want to help the body eliminate the infectious agent as quickly as possible. 1 .
Is Imodium a toxic megacolon?
The use of antidiarrheal medications such as Imodium places IBD patients at risk for the development of toxic megacolon, a potentially life-threatening disorder. 3 . Toxic Megacolon Is a Rare but Serious Complication of IBD.
Does imodium cause addiction?
Common Side Effects. Imodium tends to be well-tolerated and to cause minimal side effects. This is because it works primarily within the large intestine. Very little of the medication enters the bloodstream and it does not cross the blood-brain barrier, thus there is no risk of addiction.
Is imodium safe for pregnant women?
Except for precautions taken with young children, pregnant women, and those with IBD, Imodium is considered to be a relatively safe, well-tolerated option for dealing with diarrhea. As the medication only acts on the digestive tract, there appears to be little risk associated with long-term or frequent use.
Is loperamide a heart drug?
FDA drug safety communication: FDA warns about serious heart problems with high doses of the antidiarrheal medicine loperamide (Imodium), including from abuse and misuse. Updated January 29, 2018.
Can Imodium cause vomiting?
Vomiting. In 2016, the FDA issued a warning regarding the misuse of Imodium. This involves the increased risk of serious heart problems from very high dosages and interactions with other medications. 4 The warning was primarily triggered by people self-treating opioid withdrawal symptoms with high amounts of Imodium.
You can treat diarrhea upon the first occurrence of symptoms
While treating diarrhea can help alleviate symptoms, acute diarrhea, usually lasting one or two days, goes away on its own. Diarrhea lasting more than two days may be a sign of a serious condition. Chronic diarrhea lasts at least four weeks and symptoms may be continual or may come and go. Diarrhea of any duration may cause dehydration.
When to use rehydration treatments
If you have diarrhea, drink plenty of fluids. You may also take an oral rehydration solution.
How long does it take for diarrhea to go away with imodium?
Loperamide (Imodium®) for diarrhea: Loperamide is usually taken at home and improvement in symptoms should occur within 24 - 48 hours. If improvement is not seen, contact your doctor or go to the nearest emergency department.
What labs are needed for diarrhea?
Labs (blood tests) may be checked if you are experiencing significant diarrhea. Labs often include: Comprehensive Metabolic Panel ( CMP), magnesium, plus any others your doctor may order. If diarrhea lasts for more than 2 days or gets worse while taking loperamide (Imodium®), or you have abdominal swelling, call your doctor as these may be signs ...
How does loperamide work?
How does loperamide (Imodium®) work? Loperamide (Imodium®) is designed to slow down the movement of the intestines and increase the time it takes for food and liquids to move through the digestive tract. This gives the intestines more time to absorb liquids, which helps to make stools more solid.
What is the best diet for diarrhea?
diet = B = Bananas, R = Rice, A = applesauce, T = Toast” until your symptoms from diarrhea resolve.
Does imodium help with diarrhea?
Loperamide (Imodium®) is taken to resolve or decrease episodes of diarrhea (watery bowel movements) and is commonly taken on an as needed basis with the goal of treating diarrhea. Loperamide may also help to decrease bloating, cramping, or stomach pain associated with diarrhea, as well as pain around the rectum resulting from frequent loose stools.
Does imodium help with bowel movement?
This gives the intestines more time to absorb liquids, which helps to make stools more solid. Loperamide may also decrease incontinence (having an unintentional bowel movement) and urgency to have a bowel movement. Loperamide (Imodium®) is taken to resolve or decrease episodes of diarrhea (watery bowel movements) and is commonly taken on an as ...
Does Medicare preauthorize Imodium?
Medicare and Medicaid patients (Patients 65 years or older): The clinic providing treatment will likely pre-authorize medications and immune therapies such as Loperamide (Imodium®) and are the best source to help you understand drug cost.
What is the best medicine for diarrhea?
These medicines include: Alosetron ( Lotronex) is for some women with really serious IBS-D. Your doctor may give it to you if nothing else works.
What is the best drug for diarrhea in kids?
Ask your doctor before you give anti-diarrheal drugs to younger kids. Popular over-the-counter (OTC) options include: Loperamide. Poop can’t move through your intestines as fast when you take this drug. It’ll come out less often and more solid when your body has time to absorb water. Bismuth subsalicylate.
Why does diarrhea come and go?
Some common causes include: Infections from viruses, bacteria, or parasites. Medication, including antibiotics. Food allergies or sensitivities. Irritable bowel syndrome ( IBS) Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. Celiac disease.
Can you take bismuth if you have a fever?
Talk to your doctor first if you have a fever or there’s blood in your poop. You may need an antibiotic or other medicine to get rid of bacteria or parasites. Don’ t take bismuth subsalicylate if you’re allergic to aspirin.
Can loperamide cause heart problems?
Very high doses of loperamide can cause serious heart problems or even death. You may have more side effects if you take other drugs at the same time. Some medicine may not work as well if you take them with OTC anti-diarrheal drugs. Talk to your doctor if you have questions.
Can you get anti-diarrhea pills without a prescription?
Diarrhea is a common condition. But there are anti-diarrheal drugs that can ease your symptoms. They help keep you from losing too much fluid. They also replace nutrients you may have lost. You can get them with or without a prescription.
Can IBS-D cause diarrhea?
Ask your doctor if there are more options you can try. Inflammatory bowel diseases, like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, can cause ongoing diarrhea. Your doctor will give you another kind of prescription to manage those conditions.
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