Drug Name

Imodium (Loperamide)

Drug Uses

Imodium is used for treating symptoms of certain types of diarrhea. It is also used to decrease the amount of discharge from an ileostomy. It may also be used for to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

How to use

Use Imodium as directed by your doctor.

• Take Imodium by mouth with or without food.
• Drinking extra fluids is recommended while you have diarrhea. Check with your doctor if you have questions.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Imodium is an antidiarrheal agent. It works by slowing the movement of bowel contents.

Missed Dose

If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible. If several hours have passed or if it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose to catch up, unless advised by your doctor. If more than one dose is missed, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Storage

Store Imodium between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Imodium out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Warnings/Precautions

Do not use Imodium if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Imodium;
• you have stomach pain without diarrhea;
• you have constipation, stomach bloating, or bloody stools;
• the patient is a child younger than 2 years (24 months) old.

• Imodium may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or tiredness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Imodium with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
• Do not take more than the recommended dose or use for longer than 48 hours without checking with your doctor.
• If your diarrhea does not get better within 48 hours or if it gets worse, contact your doctor.
• If you develop a fever, stomach bloating or swelling, or blood in your stools, contact your doctor.
• Imodium is used to treat the symptoms of diarrhea, but will not treat the condition causing the diarrhea. Check with your doctor if you have any questions or concerns about the cause of your diarrhea.
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Imodium while you are pregnant. Imodium is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Imodium.

Possible Side Effects

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

• severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); constipation; decreased urination; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; stomach bloating, swelling, or pain.

More Information

If you have any questions about Imodium, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
Imodium is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.