Imodium slows the rhythm of digestion so that the small intestines have more time to absorb fluid and nutrients from the foods you eat.
Imodium is used to treat diarrhea. Imodium 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).
Imodium may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Important information
You should not use Imodium if you are allergic to loperamide, or if you have stools that are bloody, black, or tarry, or if you have diarrhea that is caused by taking an antibiotic.
Before taking Imodium, tell your doctor if you have a fever, mucus in your stools, a history of liver disease, or if you are taking an antibiotic.
Drink plenty of liquids while you are taking Imodium. It may take up to 48 hours of taking Imodium 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.
Imodium may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.
Before taking this medicine
Do not use Imodium if you are allergic to loperamide, or if you have:
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stools that are bloody, black, or tarry; or
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if you have diarrhea that is caused by taking an antibiotic.
Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to take Imodium if you have:
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether Imodium will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication. Loperamide can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are using Imodium. Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice.
See also: Pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)
How should I take Imodium?
Use Imodium exactly as directed on the label, or as it has been prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Take Imodium with a full glass of water. Drink extra water while you are taking this medication to keep from getting dehydrated.
Imodium is usually taken at the first sign of diarrhea, and again if diarrhea comes back. The first dose of Imodium is usually twice as much as the following doses. Do not take this medication more than 3 times in 24 hours without your doctor"s advice.
The Imodium chewable tablet must be chewed before swallowing.
Shake the oral suspension (liquid) well just before you measure a dose. Measure the liquid with a special dose measuring spoon or medicine cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.
Imodium A-D Liquid and New Immodium A-D Liquid contain two different strengths of loperamide. If you switch from using one brand to using the other, follow the dosing instructions carefully. Imodium A-D Liquid also contains a small amount of alcohol, but New Imodium A-D Liquid does not.
It may take up to 48 hours 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.
Store Imodium at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not allow the liquid form of this medicine to freeze.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Since Imodium is taken as needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. If you are taking the medication regularly, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
Overdose symptoms may include dizziness, drowsiness, urinating less than usual, severe stomach cramps or bloating, and vomiting.
What should I avoid?
Imodium may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.
Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise and in hot weather. Follow your doctor"s instructions about the type and amount of liquids you should drink.
Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you are taking an antibiotic and you have diarrhea that is watery or has blood in it, call your doctor. Do not use Imodium to stop the diarrhea unless your doctor has told you to.
Imodium side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Imodium: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
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stomach pain or bloating;
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ongoing or worsening diarrhea;
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diarrhea that is watery or bloody; or
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severe skin reaction - fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain, followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling.
Less serious Imodium side effects may include:
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
See also: Side effects (in more detail)
What other drugs will affect Imodium?
Before taking Imodium tell your doctor about all other medicines you use, especially saquinavir (Invirase).
This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with Imodium. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
