Imodium (Loperamide Hydrochloride)

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Loperamide 2mg

Product of Canada
Manufactured by: Teva Pharmaceuticals
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Loperamide 2mg
Product of Canada
Manufactured by Teva Pharmaceuticals
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Imodium 2mg

Product of India
Manufactured by: Janssen-Cilag
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Imodium 2mg
Product of India
Manufactured by Janssen-Cilag
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Imodium (Loperamide Hydrochloride) Dosage and Side Effects

Imodium works by slowing down the movement of the gut. This decreases the number of bowel movements and makes stool less watery.

Warnings and Precautions

Children younger than age 6 should not use Imodium unless directed by their doctor. This medicine should never be used in infants younger than 24 months.

It may take up to 48 hours for your symptoms to improve.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve within two days of taking Imodium (10 days for chronic diarrhea), or if you develop bloody stools or a fever.

Drink plenty of fluids to make up for losses during diarrhea.

Don't take if your stools are bloody, black, or tarry, or if you have diarrhea that is caused by taking antibiotics.

Tell your doctor if have a fever, mucus in your stools, a history of liver disease, or if you are taking an antibiotic.

Imodium treats the symptoms of diarrhea, not the cause. Your doctor will determine how to best treat the causes of diarrhea.

Pregnancy and Imodium

It's not known whether Imodium will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or might become pregnant while taking Imodium.

The drug can also pass into breast milk and may harm a breastfeeding baby. Do not breastfeed while taking Imodium.

Side Effects

Common Side Effects of Imodium:

Tell your doctor if you have any of the following side effects.

  • Dizziness
  • Drowsiness
  • Dry mouth
  • Vomiting
  • Constipation
  • Fatigue
  • Stomach pain, discomfort, or enlargement

Serious Side Effects of Imodium:

Call your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following serious side effects.

  • Skin rash
  • Itching
  • Hives
  • Wheezing
  • Difficulty breathing

Interactions with this medication

Imodium and Alcohol

Drinking alcohol while taking Imodium may enhance the drowsy effect of the medication.

Imodium and Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor about all prescription, non-prescription, illicit, recreational, herbal, nutritional, or dietary drugs you are taking, especially saquinavir (Invirase) or pramlintide (Symlin).

Imodium and Other Interactions

Taking Imodium may make you drowsy or dizzy.

You should not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication will affect you.

You should also avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during hot weather or exercise while taking this medication.

Proper Use of this medication

Imodium is usually taken immediately after each loose bowel movement, though it's sometimes taken on a schedule for chronic diarrhea.

Dosage is based on your condition and response to treatment. In children, dosage is also based on age and weight.

Take your dosage of Imodium exactly as directed on the packaging or by your doctor.

Adults should not use more than 8 milligrams (mg) in a 24-hour period if self-treating or 16 mg if under a doctor's supervision.

If you are taking the chewable tablet form of Imodium, you should take it on an empty stomach. The tablets should be chewed completely before swallowing.

If you are taking the dissolving tablets, you should dry your hands before opening the pack to remove a tablet. Place the tablet on the tongue and allow it to dissolve completely, and then swallow.

Do not crush, split, or break the tablet. Do not remove the tablet from the pack until right before taking it. You do not need to take water with this form of the medication.

If you are taking the oral suspension (liquid) form of Imodium, shake it well before you measure a dose. You should measure the liquid with a special dose measuring spoon or medicine cup.

Imodium A-D Liquid and New Imodium A-D Liquid contain two different strengths of the medication. If you switch from using one brand to the other, you should follow the dosing instructions carefully.

Imodium A-D Liquid also contains a small amount of alcohol.

Imodium Overdose

Symptoms of an Imodium overdose may include dizziness, drowsiness, urinating less than usual, bloating, severe stomach cramps, or vomiting.

Contact a poison control center or go to an emergency room immediately if you suspect an overdose.

Missed Dose of Imodium

If you are on scheduled doses of Imodium, take your missed dose as soon as you remember.

However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue on your regular medication schedule.

Do not "double up" to make up for a missed one.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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