{"id":14223,"date":"2021-09-27T07:18:14","date_gmt":"2021-09-27T07:18:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/?p=14223"},"modified":"2021-10-21T07:48:55","modified_gmt":"2021-10-21T07:48:55","slug":"imodium","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/medicines\/imodium\/","title":{"rendered":"Imodium &#8211; Loperamide hydrochloride uses, dose and side effects"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>2 mg&nbsp;orodispersible&nbsp;tablets<br>loperamide hydrochloride<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. What Imodium is and what it is used for<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Imodium normalizes bowel movements, counteracts fluid loss, and increases the ability to hold stools.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Imodium is used for temporary (&nbsp;acute&nbsp;) diarrhea.&nbsp;Can also be prescribed by a doctor for other uses such as prolonged (&nbsp;chronic&nbsp;) diarrhea and in the &#8220;bag on the stomach&#8221; (&nbsp;stoma&nbsp;) after certain gastrointestinal surgeries or in the event of inability to hold the stool (feces incontinence).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Imodium&nbsp;orodispersible&nbsp;tablet is placed on the tongue.&nbsp;The tablet has a mint taste and dissolves quickly in the mouth, and can be swallowed without water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You must talk to a doctor if you do not feel better or if you feel worse after 2 days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. What you need to know before taking Imodium<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Do not take Imodium<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>if you are allergic to loperamide or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6).<\/li><li>in the case of blood in the stool or in case of high fever (intestinal infection caused by bacteria such as&nbsp;Salmonella&nbsp;,&nbsp;Shigella&nbsp;and&nbsp;Campylobacter&nbsp;).<\/li><li>in&nbsp;inflammation&nbsp;of the colon (eg&nbsp;ulcerative colitis&nbsp;or pseudomembranous&nbsp;colitis&nbsp;caused by&nbsp;antibiotics&nbsp;).<\/li><li>if the passage of food through the intestine is already slow, for example if you are constipated or bothered by a tense stomach.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Imodium should not be given to children under 12 years of age.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Warnings and cautions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Treatment with Imodium relieves symptoms but does not cure the cause.&nbsp;Before long-term treatment, therefore, the underlying disease must be investigated and treatment against it put in the first place.<\/li><li>If temporary diarrhea has not stopped after two days of treatment, stop treatment and consult a doctor.<\/li><li>In case of signs of constipation or other signs of impaired bowel passage, stop treatment and consult a doctor.<\/li><li>If you have impaired liver function, you should consult a doctor before starting treatment with Imodium.<\/li><li>With diarrhea, you lose a lot of fluid.&nbsp;It is therefore important that you compensate for the fluid loss by drinking a lot.<\/li><li>If you have&nbsp;AIDS&nbsp;, stop taking Imodium at the first sign of a tummy tuck.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Do not take this medicine for anything other than its intended use (see section 1) and never take more than the recommended&nbsp;dose&nbsp;(see section 3).&nbsp;Severe heart problems (with symptoms such as fast or irregular heartbeat) have been reported in patients who have taken too much loperamide, the active substance in Imodium.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Children<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Imodium should not be given to children under 12 years of age.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Other medicines and Imodium<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken, or might take any other medicines.&nbsp;Some medicines can affect or be affected by treatment with Imodium if taken at the same time.&nbsp;Examples of such drugs are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>cholestyramine and gemfibrozil (lipid lowering)<\/li><li>quinidine&nbsp;(for heart rhythm disorders and&nbsp;malaria&nbsp;)<\/li><li>ritonavir (for HIV \/ AIDS)<\/li><li>cyclosporine (inhibits the immune system)<\/li><li>verapamil (lowering blood pressure)<\/li><li>erythromycin and clarithromycin (&nbsp;antibiotics&nbsp;)<\/li><li>itraconazole and&nbsp;ketoconazole&nbsp;(&nbsp;antifungal&nbsp;agents)<\/li><li>oral desmopressin (agents used to control thirst and urine output in patients with&nbsp;diabetes insipidus&nbsp;and bedwetting in children and nocturnal urination in adults)<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pregnancy and breastfeeding<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, think you may be pregnant, or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking this medicine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Pregnancy<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Limited experience of use during pregnancy.&nbsp;Ask your doctor for advice before taking Imodium if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Breast-feeding<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Imodium is not recommended if you are breastfeeding as small amounts of the medicine may pass into breast milk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Driving and using machines<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Fatigue, dizziness, and drowsiness may occur during treatment with Imodium.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You are responsible for assessing whether you are fit to drive a motor vehicle or perform work that requires increased vigilance.&nbsp;One of the factors that can affect your ability in these respects is the use of drugs due to their effects and\/or&nbsp;side effects.&nbsp;Read all the information in this leaflet for guidance.&nbsp;If you are not sure, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Imodium contains aspartame, sulphite, alcohol (ethanol), benzyl alcohol and sodium<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Imodium&nbsp;orodispersible&nbsp;tablets contain 0.75 mg aspartame per tablet.&nbsp;Aspartame is a source of phenylalanine.&nbsp;It can be harmful to people with phenylketonuria (PKU), a rare inherited disease that leads to the accumulation of high levels of phenylalanine in the body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The flavoring substance (mint) may contain small amounts of sulphite, which in rare cases can cause severe&nbsp;hypersensitivity reactions&nbsp;and cramps in the trachea.&nbsp;The flavoring (mint) also contains 0.03 micrograms of alcohol (&nbsp;ethanol&nbsp;) in each tablet.&nbsp;The low amount of alcohol in this medicine does not produce any noticeable effects.&nbsp;In addition, the flavoring (mint) contains 0.66 micrograms of benzyl alcohol per tablet.&nbsp;Benzyl alcohol can cause allergic reactions.&nbsp;If you have liver or kidney problems or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking this medicine.&nbsp;Large amounts of benzyl alcohol can be stored in the body and cause&nbsp;side effects&nbsp;(metabolic&nbsp;acidosis&nbsp;).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This medicine contains less than 1 mmol (23 mg)&nbsp;sodium&nbsp;per&nbsp;orodispersible&nbsp;tablet, ie it is&nbsp;essentially &#8216;sodium-free&nbsp;&#8216;.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. How to take Imodium<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Always use this medicine exactly as described in this leaflet or as your doctor advised.&nbsp;Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The recommended&nbsp;dose&nbsp;is:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>In case of temporary diarrhea:<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>The usual<\/em>&nbsp;dose&nbsp;for adults and adolescents from 12 years of age:&nbsp;Start with 2 tablets.&nbsp;If diarrhea has not stopped within 2-3 hours, take 1 tablet at a time after each loose stool.&nbsp;Take a maximum of 8 tablets per day.&nbsp;Take Imodium for a maximum of 2 days straight.&nbsp;Doctors may&nbsp;prescribe&nbsp;another&nbsp;dosage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>In case of&nbsp;chronic&nbsp;diarrhea:&nbsp;<\/em>Dose&nbsp;one is determined by the doctor who adjusts it individually for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>The usual&nbsp;dose&nbsp;for adults and adolescents from 12 years:<\/em>&nbsp;1-8 tablets\/day.&nbsp;Take a maximum of 8 tablets per day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The tablet is placed on the tongue.&nbsp;The tablet dissolves in the mouth and can be swallowed without water.&nbsp;The tablets break easily and should therefore be handled with care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The antidiarrheal effect is achieved within one hour after taking 2 tablets (4 mg).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Instructions for use<\/strong><br><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fass.se\/LIF\/product?userType=2&amp;nplId=20051123000013#\" rel=\"noopener\"><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Fold up the foil edge<\/li><li>Peel off the foil completely.<\/li><li>Push up the tablet.<\/li><li>Lift the tablet.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>Do not push the tablet through the foil.&nbsp;It may damage the tablet as it is brittle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">If you take more Imodium than you should<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have ingested too much medicine or if e.g.&nbsp;If a child has ingested the medicine by mistake, contact a doctor, hospital, or the Poison Information Center for risk assessment and advice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you take more Imodium than you should, contact your doctor or hospital immediately for advice.&nbsp;Symptoms may include increased heart rate, irregular heartbeat, changes in a heartbeat (these symptoms can potentially have serious, life-threatening consequences), muscle stiffness, uncoordinated movements, drowsiness, difficulty urinating, or poor breathing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Children react more strongly than adults to large amounts of Imodium.&nbsp;Contact a doctor immediately if a child has ingested too much of the medicine or has any of the above symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have any further questions on the use of this product, ask your doctor or pharmacist<strong>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Possible side effects<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Like all medicines, this medicine can cause&nbsp;side effects, although not everybody gets them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Stop taking Imodium and contact your doctor immediately if you get any of the following rare symptoms:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>swelling of the face, tongue or throat, difficulty swallowing or&nbsp;hives&nbsp;and difficulty breathing.&nbsp;This is a sign of&nbsp;angioedema&nbsp;.<\/li><li>extreme fatigue, coordination problems and loss of consciousness or loss of consciousness.<\/li><li>severe abdominal pain and \/ or swollen stomach which may be a sign of blocked or enlarged bowel.<\/li><li><em>Lyellas syndrome (&nbsp;toxic epidermal necrolysis&nbsp;):<\/em>&nbsp;Severe widespread skin damage (dermal detachment of the epidermis and superficial mucous membranes).<\/li><li><em>Stevens-Johnson syndrome:<\/em>&nbsp;An extremely severe&nbsp;allergic reaction&nbsp;with skin rash usually in the form of blisters or sores in the oral cavity and eyes as well as other mucous membranes such as genitals.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The following&nbsp;side effects have&nbsp;been reported:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people):<\/em>&nbsp;constipation, nausea, flatulence\/gas, headache, and dizziness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people):<\/em>&nbsp;drowsiness, abdominal pain or discomfort,&nbsp;dry mouth, vomiting, indigestion, and rash.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Rare (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people):&nbsp;<\/em>Hypersensitivity reactions&nbsp;(such as anaphylactic&nbsp;shock&nbsp;), muscle stiffness, small&nbsp;pupils, tongue pain,&nbsp;itching, hives, and difficulty urinating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Reporting of side effects<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse.&nbsp;This also applies to any side effects not mentioned in this information.&nbsp;You can also report side effects directly to the Medical Products Agency.&nbsp;By reporting side effects, you can help increase drug safety information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. How to store Imodium<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Store in the original package.&nbsp;Moisture sensitive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the carton.&nbsp;The expiration date is the last day of the specified month.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste.&nbsp;Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines no longer required.&nbsp;These measures will help to protect the environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6. Contents of the packaging and other information<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Content declaration<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>The active substance is loperamide hydrochloride 2 mg.<\/li><li>The other ingredients are gelatin, mannitol (E421), aspartame (E951), flavoring (mint) and sodium bicarbonate.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What the medicine looks like and contents of the pack<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>White to off-white, round tablet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Blister with 2, 3, 4, 6, 12, 18, 24 tablets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Not all pack sizes may be marketed.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Imodium normalizes bowel movements, counteracts fluid loss, and increases the ability to hold stools.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"cybocfi_hide_featured_image":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[2200,12116],"tags":[13011,12973,13007,13010,5527,5530,13012,12974,13009,13008,5528,12972],"class_list":["post-14223","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-medicines","category-i","tag-benefits-of-imodium","tag-benefits-of-loperamide-hydrochloride","tag-imodium","tag-imodium-tablet","tag-loperamide-hydrochloride","tag-loperamide-hydrochloride-tablet","tag-side-effects-of-imodium","tag-side-effects-of-loperamide-hydrochloride","tag-what-imodium-is-used-for","tag-what-is-imodium","tag-what-is-loperamide-hydrochloride","tag-what-loperamide-hydrochloride-is-used-for"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14223","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=14223"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14223\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":15031,"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14223\/revisions\/15031"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=14223"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=14223"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=14223"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}