is it bad to take imodium

Full Answer

Does Imodium have any 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.

Who should not take Imodium A-D?

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.

What is the most common reason to take Imodium?

The most common reason to take Imodium is for diarrhea treatment. When speaking about the condition generally, it is assumed it is not a chronic condition and that its cause is not related to stomach flu or food poisoning.

What are the negative effects of Imodium?

Loperamide may increase your risk for stomach or bowel problems. Check with your doctor right away if you have bloating, blood in the stools, constipation, fever, loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, or stomach pain.

Is it bad to take Imodium if you don't need it?

The FDA warns that Imodium at higher doses can cause QT interval prolongation, which means it takes longer for your heart to recharge between beats. Cardiac arrest is also a possible result of loperamide abuse, according to the FDA.

Should I take Imodium or let it run its course?

Over-the-Counter. Since diarrhea is your body's way of getting rid of toxins, it is best to let it run its course.

Is it bad to take Imodium when you have diarrhea?

Pharmacist's advice. All in all, Imodium A-D and Pepto-Bismol are both safe and effective over-the-counter treatments for diarrhea in most people.

Is it OK to take one Imodium every day?

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).

Is it OK to take one Imodium every day for IBS?

Yes, OTC anti-diarrhea medications, such as Imodium, Pepto-Bismol, and Kaopectate, can relieve diarrhea in people with IBS. However, these drugs can have side effects and they're meant to be used only short-term. If you have IBS, talk to your doctor about the best medication options to treat your diarrhea.

What stops diarrhea fast naturally?

A diet known as BRAT may also quickly relieve diarrhea. BRAT stands for bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. This diet is effective due to the bland nature of these foods, and the fact that they're starchy, low-fiber foods. These foods have a binding effect in the digestive tract to make stools bulkier.

What foods stop diarrhea?

BRAT stands for “bananas, rice, apples, toast.” These foods are bland, so they won't aggravate the digestive system. They're also binding, so they help firm up stool....Other foods that are included in the BRAT diet include:cooked cereal, like Cream of Wheat or farina.soda crackers.applesauce and apple juice.

What drinks help diarrhea?

Water, Pedialyte, fruit juices, caffeine-free soda, and salty broths are some good choices. According to the Cleveland Clinic, salt helps slow down the fluid loss, and sugar will help your body absorb the salt.

What gets rid of diarrhea fast?

A diet known as BRAT may also quickly relieve diarrhea. BRAT stands for bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. This diet is effective due to the bland nature of these foods, and the fact that they're starchy, low-fiber foods. These foods have a binding effect in the digestive tract to make stools bulkier.

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.

When should you not take anti diarrhea medicine?

Do not take antidiarrheal agents when diarrhea is accompanied by fever, severe illness, abdominal pain, or if there is blood or pus (mucus) in the stool. 1 If diarrhea from an infection is a possibility, only use antidiarrheal drugs with the help of a healthcare professional.

When should you let diarrhea run its course?

If you've been having diarrhea for 2 weeks or less, think about recent changes or new things in your life. This can help you pinpoint the cause. Diarrhea lasting more than 2 weeks may be a sign of an underlying health problem. See your doctor to find out what may be causing your diarrhea.

How long does it take diarrhea to run its course?

Treating diarrhoea In children, diarrhoea will usually pass within 5 to 7 days and will rarely last longer than 2 weeks. In adults, diarrhoea usually improves within 2 to 4 days, although some infections can last a week or more.

What happens if Imodium doesn't stop diarrhea?

But if your diarrhea doesn't get better within 2 days of starting Imodium, see your doctor. And don't take Imodium for longer than 48 hours unless directed by your doctor.

Is it OK to take Imodium with stomach virus?

In some cases, adults can take over-the-counter medicines such as loperamide link (Imodium) and bismuth subsalicylate link (Pepto-Bismol, Kaopectate) to treat diarrhea caused by viral gastroenteritis.

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 long does it take for imodium to work?

Keep in mind that Imodium will be at its highest level of effectiveness approximately 16 to 24 hours after you take it.

What is the best medicine for diarrhea?

Imodium is a medication that is effective in reducing the symptoms of diarrhea. 1  Specifically, Imodium works in the following ways:

What are the side effects of a syringe?

When side effects do occur, they tend to be only digestive in nature: 1  1 Abdominal pain or cramping 2 Bloating 3 Constipation 4 Nausea 5 Vomiting

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.

Does loperamide cause side effects?

Side effects requiring immediate medical attention. Along with its needed effects, loperamide (the active ingredient contained in Imodium) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention. Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur ...

Does loperamide need medical attention?

Side effects not requiring immediate medical attention. Some side effects of loperamide may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Is loperamide hydrochloride safe for children?

Loperamide hydrochloride is contraindicated in pediatric patients less than 2 years of age. Avoid loperamide hydrochloride dosages higher than recommended in adults and pediatric patients 2 years of age and older due to the risk of serious cardiac adverse reactions.

How should I take Imodium A-D?

Use Imodium A-D exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.

What other drugs will affect Imodium A-D?

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.

What is Imodium A-D?

Imodium A-D (loperamide) slows the rhythm of digestion so that the small intestines have more time to absorb fluid and nutrients from the foods you eat.

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 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 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 avoid being dehydrated?

Avoid becoming dehydrated by drinking plenty of fluids. Avoid vigorous exercise or exposure to hot weather if you are dehydrated.

Why is it important to follow the instructions on imodium?

That’s why following the directions on the label or doctor’s instructions is critical to avoid unintentional abuse. If the patient thinks that Imodium does not work, it is required to get medical consultation first, but not to increase the dose by themselves.

What Is Imodium?

Imodium is a drug that belongs to the anti-diarrheal class; it facilitates the patient ’s recovery from diarrhea. These medicines work by slowing down the movement of fluids and electrolytes to the bowels. This helps to decrease bowel movements in the body and stop diarrhea. In the 1970s Imodium was a controlled substance placed in the same bracket as cocaine and other mind-altering drugs. However, since the early 80’s it has become an over-the-counter medicine.

How many prescriptions for Loperamide?

The medication for adults comes in different forms. The oral solution comes in two prescriptions 1mg per 5mL or 1mg/7.5mL. Please consult a physician to know which prescription is best for a person. The Loperamide Multi-Symptom Relief caplets include 125mg of Simethicone used for the treatment of diarrhea symptoms.

What is the name of the medication that is used to treat loperamide?

Imodium medication is a brand-name for loperamide. There are other loperamide brand name medications on the market as well. These include Kaopectate II, Maalox Anti-Diarrheal Caplets, and Pepto Diarrhea Control.

How much does imodium cost?

Imodium is the most expensive version of loperamide because it is the name of a brand. The average Imodium price is about $15 for a pack of 42 pills. This cost can often be reduced through the use of the medication coupons, which are commonly available.

Why is opium considered an opioid?

The Imodium opiate classification is because it binds to opioid receptors in the stomach. Most users who take the medication never experience a high because in therapeutic doses it does not cross the blood-brain barrier. When taken in excessive doses, the loperamide opioid effects can be felt.

Why do people use loperamide?

Many people who abuse loperamide do so because they are attempting to stop their use of other drugs. In fact, it is common for people to use loperamide for opiate withdrawal when trying to quit on their own. Doing this is unsafe and makes it likely that the user will simply develop an Imodium addiction.

What should I not take with Imodium?

However, there aren’t any foods, vitamins, herbs, or supplements known to interact with Imodium.

Why does imodium cause diarrhea?

And it’s most often caused by a stomach bug or food poisoning. Typically, Imodium is used for acute diarrhea. Chronic (ongoing) diarrhea. This type of diarrhea lasts for more than 4 weeks. And it’s usually related to long-term bowel conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or Crohn’s disease.

How long does it take for Imodium to work?

Imodium typically starts to control diarrhea within 1 hour after you’ve taken the first dose.

Is misusing Imodium dangerous?

Yes, misusing Imodium can be very dangerous. (Misuse is also sometimes called abuse.)

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 the maximum daily dose. For more information about this, see the “ Imodium dosage ” section above.

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 doesn’t completely stop you from having bowel movements.

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 product label or as instructed by your doctor.)

Does imodium cause respiratory depression?

This is called respiratory depression .

Is imodium safe for IBS?

It can help with short term diarrhea or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Imodium was thought to be a very safe medication until recently. According to a 2020 case report published in Cureus, the use of lmodium as an inexpensive opioid alternative is increasing. Imodium can cause problems with long-term use. Chat Now.

Can imodium cause heart problems?

Heart Problems. The 2020 case report published byCureus indicates that Imodium mis use and abuse can cause irregular heartbeat. The FDA warns that Imodium at higher doses can cause QT interval prolongation, which means it takes longer for your heart to recharge between beats. Cardiac arrest is also a possible result of loperamide abuse, ...

Is imodium bad for you?

Abusing Imodium can be bad for your body. Here are the most common long term effects of Imodium abuse. Imodium, or loperamide hydrochloride, is intended to treat loose stools, according to the United Kingdom’s National Health Service. It can help with short term diarrhea or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Imodium was thought to be ...

Does loperamide have a euphoric effect?

The 2020 case report published by Cureus found that large quantities of loperamide are needed to achieve euphoric opioid effects. Loperamide's over-the-counter availability has resulted in more cases of loperamide substance use disorder.

What should I avoid while taking loperamide?

Avoid drinking tonic water. It can interact with loperamide and may cause serious heart problems.

How should I take loperamide?

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.

What is the purpose of a loperamide?

Loperamide is used to treat diarrhea. Loperamide 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). Loperamide may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

How to contact Poison Help?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose of loperamide can be fatal.

What are the side effects of a syringe?

Common side effects may include: constipation; dizziness, drowsiness; nausea; or. stomach cramps.

Can you give a child loperamide?

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. Take loperamide with a full glass of water. Diarrhea can cause your body to lose fluids and electrolytes.

Can you chew loperamide?

The loperamide chewable tablet must be chewed before swallowing.

What happens if you take too much imodium?

If you take too much Imodium, it can cause serious heart problems and even death.

What are the side effects of imodium?

Common side effects include constipation, feeling dizzy or nauseous, and having a headache.

How long does it take for imodium to work?

It will take at least 48 hours for the Imodium to start working, so don’t worry if you continue to have diarrhea for the first couple of days that you’re taking the medication.

What is imodium A-D?

Imodium A-D (made from the drug loperamide) is an antidiarrheal medication will treat diarrhea. It’s commonly sold over the counter. If you have had diarrhea for more than 2–3 days and over-the-counter treatments haven’t had much of an effect, visit your doctor and ask if they are willing to prescribe you a higher dose of Imodium. The drug comes either as solid pills or as a liquid that will come in a plastic bottle with a plastic spoon used to measure out the correct dosage. Take only the amount that your doctor prescribed to you, as taking more and overdosing can cause negative side effects or death.

How to avoid dehydration when taking imodium?

To avoid dehydrating yourself, drink plenty of water when you take your daily Imodium dosage. Fill up a glass with water and drink the entire thing either before or after you’ve swallowed the dose of Imodium. In general, while you’re taking Imodium, drink plenty of liquids to keep your body well hydrated.

How to measure Imodium?

If the pharmacy sold you liquid Imodium, the plastic bottle of liquid Imodium should have come with a plastic spoon with milliliters marked on the side. Pour out that exact amount into the plastic spoon. Set the tip of the spoon between your lips, and pour the medicine into your mouth.

Is Imodium the same strength as a prescription?

Not all Imodium pills are the same strength, so if you had the prescription filled at a different pharmacy than usual, read the bottle to check the prescription strength.

For The Consumer

• Applies to loperamide: oral capsule, oral capsule liquid filled, oral liquid, oral solution, oral suspension, oral tablet

See more on drugs.com

For Healthcare Professionals

Frequently Asked Questions

Further Information