What is imodium used to treat

Avoid storing this medication in areas where it could get damp or wet, such as in bathrooms. This helps prevent others, including children and pets, from taking the drug by accident. It also helps keep the drug from harming the environment. This article provides several useful tips on medication disposal. You can also ask your pharmacist for information on how to dispose of your medication.

As with all medications, the cost of Imodium can vary. To find current prices for Imodium products in your area, check out WellRx. The cost you find on WellRx. Although Imodium is an over-the-counter OTC drug, in some cases a doctor may prescribe it. If your doctor prescribes Imodium for you, you can ask your insurance provider if they will cover the drug. Before approving coverage for Imodium, your insurance company may require you to get prior authorization. This means that your doctor and insurance company will need to communicate about your prescription before the insurance company will cover the drug.

The insurance company will review the prior authorization request and decide if the drug will be covered. You can also talk with your doctor or pharmacist to see if there are others ways to save on this medication. Imodium is available in a generic form called loperamide. And generics tend to cost less than brand-name drugs.

To find out how the cost of loperamide compares to the cost of Imodium, visit WellRx. They may have a preference for one version or the other. Imodium may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors affecting your health. These include:. Imodium Multi-Symptom Relief is used to treat diarrhea with symptoms of gas, cramping, and bloating.

Loperamide is an opioid agonist that binds to opioid receptors in the gut wall. This action reduces peristalsis, increases intestinal transit time, and increases reabsorption of water and electrolytes from the intestinal contents into the bloodstream.

Taking loperamide results in firmer stools that are passed less frequently. Imodium Multi-Symptom Relief also contains the antiflatulent drug simethicone. Simethicone is an anti-foaming agent that reduces the surface tension of gas bubbles, causing small bubbles to merge together. These larger bubbles are more easily expelled to relieve symptoms of cramping, bloating, and discomfort. Loperamide is well absorbed from the gut after oral administration; however, bioavailability is only 0.

Imodium is a mu opioid agonist. At the recommended dosages for diarrhea, Imodium does not cross the blood brain barrier or produce a centrally acting opioid effect. However, when taken in extremely high doses, Imodium can enter the central nervous system and produce euphoria. Imodium is sometimes misused for this effect. Misuse of Imodium can lead to prolonged QT interval, Torsades de Pointes, or other ventricular arrhythmias, and heart attack.

It can also lead to other symptoms of opioid overdose, such as CNS and respiratory depression. Misuse of Imodium can lead to dependence on the drug and withdrawal symptoms after stopping the drug. Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up-to-date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional.

You should always consult your doctor or other healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.

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Read on to discover tips to stop diarrhea quickly in both adults and infants and learn what not to do. Diarrhea involves loose, runny stools, and it can be an indicator of digestive problems or an infection. This article introduces six foods that may…. A limited diet can help a person reduce the symptoms of diarrhea. Diarrhea usually lasts up to 3 days. During this time, it is best to consume bland…. Apple cider vinegar has recently been touted as a cure-all for many ailments, including diarrhea.

However, this common household ingredient is highly…. Imodium loperamide. What is Imodium? Imodium generic. When to seek medical care. Imodium dosage.

Imodium and kids. Imodium for diarrhea. Other uses for Imodium. Imodium use with other treatments. How Imodium works. Common questions about Imodium. How to take Imodium. Imodium side effects. Alternatives to Imodium. Imodium vs. Imodium and pregnancy. Imodium and birth control. Imodium and breastfeeding. Imodium and alcohol. Imodium interactions. Imodium overdose. Imodium expiration, storage, and disposal.

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. The recommended dosage is 4 mg to start, followed by 2 mg for each loose stool that occurs after that.

Dosage should be based on weight. When using either weight or age, use the following information:. Imodium is generally well-tolerated by many people. However, it can sometimes cause some side effects. Serious side effects of Imodium are rare. Call your doctor right away if you have any of the following:.

Imodium interacts with certain drugs that break down in the body in the same way. 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.

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. Do not take more than the maximum daily dosage of Imodium. Also, do not take it longer than two days unless directed by your doctor to do so. You should see an improvement in your symptoms within two days. If you need immediate short-term relief, taking loperamide can reduce the number of times you go to the toilet and it makes your poo less watery.

Do not give loperamide to children under 12 years old unless their doctor has prescribed it. If you've bought loperamide from a pharmacy or shop, do not take it for more than 48 hours without talking to a doctor. Only take the recommended amount. Too much loperamide can cause serious heart problems including a fast or irregular heartbeat. Pharmacies and supermarkets may sell their own brands of loperamide, usually called anti-diarrhoea or diarrhoea relief capsules.

Some products have IBS in the name. However, they're no different from others. Loperamide is available to buy without a prescription for: anyone aged 12 and older with short-term diarrhoea an adult 18 years and older with IBS diarrhoea, but only if a doctor has diagnosed IBS. If you are not sure whether you have IBS, talk to your doctor It's available on prescription only for: children again 11 years and younger young people aged 12 to 17 years with IBS or long-lasting diarrhoea adults with long-lasting diarrhoea.

Younger children Only give loperamide to children aged 11 years or under if their doctor prescribes it. Loperamide is not suitable for some people. How to take it You can take loperamide with or without food. Capsules and tablets: swallow these whole, with a drink of water. Dosage and strength Loperamide comes as: tablets and capsules that contain 2mg of loperamide liquid that contains 1mg of loperamide in a 5ml spoonful The recommended dose depends on the type of diarrhoea you have and your age.

Adults over 18 , with short-term diarrhoea or IBS The usual starting dose is: capsules or tablets: take 2 capsules or tablets, taken immediately.

Then take 1 capsule or tablet after each runny poo. Then take 2 spoonfuls after each runny poo. Stop taking loperamide as soon as your symptoms settle down. The recommended maximum dose in 24 hours is: 6 capsules or tablets, if you buy loperamide from a shop 8 capsules or tablets, or 16 spoonfuls of liquid 5ml each , if you have a prescription or buy loperamide from a pharmacy Do not take loperamide for more than 48 hours without talking to a doctor.

Adults over 18 with long-lasting or recurring diarrhoea Most cases of diarrhoea get better in 5 to 7 days. The usual starting dose is: 2 to 4 capsules or tablets, spaced evenly throughout the day 4 to 8 spoonfuls of liquid loperamide 5ml each , spaced evenly throughout the day Your doctor will adjust your dose according to your symptoms and how well loperamide is working, up to a maximum of: 8 tablets or capsules in 24 hours 16 spoonfuls of liquid loperamide 5ml each in 24 hours Once you're on the right dose, your doctor will usually recommend dividing your daily dose, so you take half in the morning and half in the afternoon or evening.

Children's doses Do not give loperamide to children under 12 years old unless their doctor prescribes it. Age 12 years and over with short-term diarrhoea — the dose is the same as for adults. Age 12 to 17 years with IBS or long-lasting diarrhoea — follow the instructions from their doctor. This is given on prescription only. Age 11 years or younger — follow the instructions from their doctor. What if I forget to take it? Do not take a double dose to make up for the one you forgot.

What if I take too much? Do not take more than the recommended amount. Urgent advice: Contact for advice now if:. Common side effects These common side effects happen in more than 1 in people.

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if these side effects bother you or do not go away: constipation difficulty doing a poo feeling dizzy feeling sick headaches farting wind Serious side effects It's rare to have a serious side effect with loperamide. Tell a doctor straight away if you: feel faint or less alert, or if you pass out faint start moving in a clumsy, uncoordinated way Serious allergic reaction In rare cases, it's possible to have a serious allergic reaction anaphylaxis to loperamide.

Information: You can report any suspected side effect using the Yellow Card safety scheme. Visit Yellow Card for further information.

What to do about: constipation — stop taking loperamide. If you have constipation, eat more fibre by having fresh fruit, vegetables and cereals, and drink plenty of water. Try to exercise regularly, for example by going for a daily walk or run. If this does not help, talk to your pharmacist or doctor.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction 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.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. Avoid drinking tonic water. It can interact with loperamide and may cause serious heart problems. Avoid becoming dehydrated by drinking plenty of fluids. Avoid vigorous exercise or exposure to hot weather if you are dehydrated.

Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired. Use Loperamide Imodium exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Loperamide is safe when used as directed. Always follow directions on the medicine label about giving loperamide to a child.

A safe dose of loperamide is different for an adult than for a child. Doses in children are based on the child's age.