4 Possible Long-Term Effects of Imodium Misuse
- Constipation. According to the Food and Drug Administration, Imodium slows your intestines, increasing the time between bowel movements.
- Heart Problems. The 2020 case report published byCureus indicates that Imodium misuse and abuse can cause irregular heartbeat.
- Breathing Issues. ...
What are the side effects of taking too much Imodium?
What Are Side Effects of Imodium?
- severe constipation/ nausea / vomiting,
- stomach or abdominal pain, or
- uncomfortable fullness of the stomach or abdomen.
Is it harmful to take Imodium every day?
Taking Imodium daily is generally considered safe for IBS sufferers. Dr Peter Whorwell, a world-renowned expert on IBS, says that Imodium is an "extraordinarily safe" drug and it is "perfectly reasonably" to take it indefinitely without causing problems.
Can You overdose on Imodium?
While Imodium is considered relatively safe, it is possible to overdose on the medication. Impacts on breathing, heart rate, coordination, and organs system can be quite severe in extreme cases. Imodium can interact with opiates in ways laypeople might not realize.
How many times a day do you take Imodium?
If you are an adult, you can take Imodium 4 times a day for 2 days until you feel relieved from diarrhea. It remains in your system for at least ½ day. However, this effect is not the same for all. How Long Does Imodium Take To Wear Off? Usually Imodium wears off within 8 hours. However, this duration might not be same for everyone.
Is it harmful to take 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).
How much Imodium is too much?
Generally, to overdose on Imodium, you would need to take more than the recommended maximum daily dose of 16 mg a day. However, as little as 2 mg a day can put a person at risk of overdose if taken over an extended time.
What are the symptoms of taking too much Imodium?
Dizziness, drowsiness, tiredness, or constipation may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, contact your doctor promptly.
How much Imodium can you take in a day?
Adults—At first, 4 milligrams (mg) (2 capsules) after the first loose bowel movement, then 2 mg (1 capsule) after each loose bowel movement after the first dose has been taken. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. However, dose is usually not more than 16 mg (8 capsules) per day.
What happens if you take too much anti diarrheal?
Improper use of this medication (overuse or abuse) may cause serious harm, such as fast/irregular heartbeat or death.
Can I take Imodium every day for IBS?
For diarrhea-predominant IBS, 2 to 4 mg of loperamide up to four times a day can be effective.
Does Imodium affect your kidneys?
Extra sodium can increase your blood pressure. Loperamide (IMODIUM), kaolin-pectin (KAOPECTATE). Bismuth subsalicylate (PEPTO-BISMOL). This product contains salicylic acid that may harm your kidneys.
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.
What drinks help diarrhea?
Adults can use oral rehydration solutions or diluted juices, diluted sports drinks, clear broth, or decaffeinated tea. Sugary, carbonated, caffeinated, or alcoholic drinks can make diarrhea worse, so be sure to dilute sugary beverages if you drink them. Don't eat only bland foods.
How long does it take for Imodium to wear off?
Half-Life Of Imodium (Loperamide) The average half-life of loperamide is around 10.8 hours, although it can range from 9.1 to 14.4 hours. Since it generally takes five half-lives for a drug to be completely cleared from your system, a dose of loperamide should stay in your body for about 54 hours.
How much loperamide is toxic?
Average daily dosing of patients presenting with loperamide toxicity has been reported to range from 200-400 mg, with some reports of ingestions exceeding 1000 mg.
Can taking too much Imodium cause diarrhea?
Stop taking loperamide and call your doctor at once if you have: diarrhea that is watery or bloody; stomach pain or bloating; ongoing or worsening diarrhea; or.
How long does it take for Imodium to wear off?
Half-Life Of Imodium (Loperamide) The average half-life of loperamide is around 10.8 hours, although it can range from 9.1 to 14.4 hours. Since it generally takes five half-lives for a drug to be completely cleared from your system, a dose of loperamide should stay in your body for about 54 hours.
How often can Imodium be taken?
Adults: The recommended initial dose is 4 mg (two capsules) followed by 2 mg (one capsule) after each unformed stool until diarrhea is controlled, after which the dosage of IMODIUM® (loperamide hcl) should be reduced to meet individual requirements.
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 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
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:
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.
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.
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 long does diarrhea last with imodium?
Also call your doctor if your symptoms get worse or your diarrhea lasts longer than two days. A range of OTC medications can help treat diarrhea. The information above can help you decide if Imodium is a good choice for you.
How does imodium work?
The active ingredient in Imodium is the drug loperamide. It works by making the muscles in your intestines contract more slowly. This in turn slows the movement of food and fluids through your digestive tract, which allows the bowel to absorb more fluids and nutrients.
How old do you have to be to give imodium?
Children 29-47 pounds (ages 2-5 years): Use Imodium only by the advice of your child’s doctor. Children under 2 years: Do not give Imodium to children younger than 2 years of age.
How long does it take for imodium to work?
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 don’t, call your doctor. Your diarrhea may be caused by bacteria, a virus, or another cause. This may require treatment with a different medication.
Is imodium safe to take?
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.
Does imodium cause constipation?
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.
Is imodium a prescription?
The prescription-strength form is used to treat diarrhea caused by digestive diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease. The recommended dosage for Imodium is based on age or weight.
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.
How should I take Imodium A-D?
Use Imodium A-D exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.
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 avoid being dehydrated?
Avoid becoming dehydrated by drinking plenty of fluids. Avoid vigorous exercise or exposure to hot weather if you are dehydrated.
What are the symptoms of overdose?
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.
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.
What should I not take with Imodium?
However, there aren’t any foods, vitamins, herbs, or supplements known to interact with Imodium.
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.)
How does Imodium work?
Imodium reduces diarrhea by reducing gut contractions. The active ingredient in Imodium is the drug called loperamide, which binds to opioid receptors in the gut.
How many days in a row can you take Imodium?
Imodium can be taken for a maximum of two days in a row. If your diarrhea doesn’t resolve within 2 days, it might be caused by an infection, food intolerance, or a functional gut disorder like IBS. After taking Imodium for 2 days, you must consult a doctor if your diarrhea doesn’t resolve.
How is Imodium used?
Imodium comes both as a liquid and a tablet, and both forms are taken by mouth. In most cases, Imodium shouldn’t be used for more than 2 days. However, you should be aware that a prescription form of the drug is available, which can be used for longer periods.
Is long-term use of Imodium harmful?
Unless prescribed by a doctor, long term use of Imodium can be harmful. Since IBS is a chronic disease, you may think it’s a good idea to take Imodium every day. It’s not. While Imodium is generally safe for most people, long-term use can lead to significant side effects.
Is it okay to take Imodium for IBS?
Yes, it’s okay to take Imodium for IBS. If you have IBS-D, your doctor might prescribe an over-the-counter antidiarrheal like Imodium. However, studies have shown that while Imodium may treat diarrhea, it’s not good at treating other symptoms associated with IBS.
Is it okay to take loperamide?
I take loperamide (immodium is the brand name) most days, under direction from my GP that it is okay. Perhaps it would be worthwhile for you to speak with them, see if there is anything else that can be done for you. If taking it daily is something that is still required you can get a prescription for more tablets that might be cheaper than buying over the counter (this is UK specific advise however).
Can I take immodium if I have IBS?
My GP told me that taking immodium when my IBS flares up wouldn't do any harm, unless it began to result in constipation - so I'm guessing that if you need to take one a day that should be okay.
