Imodium

Common use

Imodium is an antidiarrheal medication. It binds opioid receptors in the wall of intestine, inhibits release of acetylcholine and prostaglandins hereby reducing peristalsis, increases time needed for the food to pass through intestines. Imodium increases tone of the anal sphincter, reducing stool incontinence and urge to defecate. Imodium is used to treat diarrhea, to reduce the amount of stool in patients with ileostomy (re-routing of the bowel is brought out by a surgical opening through in the stomach).

Dosage and direction

The drug is administered for oral intake. To treat acute diarrhea in adults and elderly patients a prescribed initial dose is 4 mg, decreased to 2 mg in the future after each act of defecation in the case of loose stool. Initial dose of 2 mg is recommended for children older than 6 y.o. Tablets of Imodium are rather fragile so do not press them through the foil. Do not take Imodium more than 3 times in 24 hours.

Precautions

Do not use Imodium if you are allergic to loperamide, or if you have bloody or mucous stools or ones of black and tarry color, or if you have diarrhea caused by antibiotics. Try to drink extra water and keep diet while you are taking this medication to avoid dehydration. It may take up to 48 hours of taking Imodium to improve your condition. Notify your doctor if you have liver failure, AIDS.

Contraindications

Acute dysentery and other gastrointestinal infections (caused by Salmonella, Shigella, Campylobacter), ileus, diverticulosis, acute ulcerative colitis, pseudomembranous enterocolitis (diarrhea caused by taking antibiotics), first trimester of pregnancy, lactation, infancy (younger than 6 y.o.), hypersensitivity to loperamide and/or other components of the drug.

Possible side effect

Side effects may include symptoms of allergy like hives, rash, swelling of face and tongue; dizziness; drowsiness; constipation; stomach pain or bloating; dry mouth; ongoing or worsening diarrhea; watery or bloody diarrhea; excessive gas; nausea; vomiting fever; headache; severe blistering. Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you experience the listed symptoms.

Drug interaction

Inform your doctor if you are taking saquinavir (Invirase), quinidine, ritonavir. The two last medications are both P-glycoprotein inhibitors and their co-administration with Imodium may result in increase in Imodium plasma levels. Levels of saquinavir are decreased by concomitant intake of Imodium.

Missed dose

If you missed a dose take the medication as soon as you remember. If it is almost time of your next dose just skip its intake and return to your regular schedule. Though this medication may not need to be on a dosing schedule and take it once or twice when needed.

Overdose

Overdose symptoms are dizziness, drowsiness, unusually rare and little urination, severe stomach cramps, bloating, and vomiting. You may need immediate medical help so inform your doctor if you believe that took too much of this medication.

Storage

Store at room temperature between 59-77 F (15-25 C), away from light and moisture, kids and pets.