Imodium (Loperamide)

• The dosage of Imodium is typically based on the individual's condition and response to treatment. For children, the dosage is also based on age and weight.
• Adults should not use more than 8 milligrams in 24 hours if self-treating, or 16 milligrams in 24 hours if under a healthcare provider's direction.
• The dosage may be administered as a single dose or in divided doses, and the average daily maintenance dosage in clinical trials was 4 to 8 mg (two to four capsules).
• Imodium is taken by mouth, usually after each loose stool, or as directed by a healthcare provider.
• If using the chewable tablet, it should be taken on an empty stomach and chewed thoroughly before swallowing.
• For rapidly dissolving tablets, dry hands should be used to remove a tablet from the blister pack. The tablet should be placed on the tongue, allowed to dissolve completely, and then swallowed with saliva. No water is needed to take this medication.
• Diarrhea can cause dehydration. Drink plenty of fluids and minerals (electrolytes) to replace what is lost.
• Signs of dehydration, such as extreme thirst, decreased urination, muscle cramps, weakness, or fainting, should be reported to a healthcare provider immediately.
• If there is no improvement in the condition after 2 days, or if new symptoms develop, seek medical advice.
• If diarrhea continues after 10 days of treatment, inform the healthcare provider if the medication is being taken under their direction.

Common Side Effects:

• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Stomach cramps

Serious Side Effects:

• Diarrhea that is watery or bloody
• Stomach pain or bloating
• Ongoing or worsening diarrhea
• Fast or pounding heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, shortness of breath, and sudden dizziness

Other Possible Side Effects:

• Severe constipation/nausea/vomiting
• Uncomfortable fullness of the stomach/abdomen
• Fast/irregular heartbeat
• Severe dizziness
• Fainting
• Allergic reactions such as skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Heart rhythm changes, chest pain, trouble breathing
• Redness, blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth

This is not a complete list of side effects, and others may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, promptly inform your healthcare provider. Furthermore, if you experience any very serious side effects, such as severe constipation, nausea, vomiting, or heart rhythm changes, seek medical help right away.

Improper use of Imodium, such as overuse or abuse, may lead to serious harm, including fast/irregular heartbeat or death. Do not increase the dose, take it more often, or take it for longer than directed.

Imodium should not be used by children younger than 2 years due to an increased risk of side effects, such as slow/shallow breathing and fast/irregular heartbeat.

Talk with a healthcare provider before taking Imodium if one has liver problems, HIV with infectious colitis, ulcerative colitis, an intestinal bacterial infection, or an allergy to Imodium.

Do not take more than the maximum daily dosage of Imodium. Also, it should not be taken for longer than 2 days unless directed by a healthcare provider.

Improvement in symptoms should be observed within 2 days. If there is no improvement, a healthcare provider should be consulted as the diarrhea may be caused by a different underlying condition that requires alternative treatment.

Imodium should not be taken if there is blood in the stools or black stools, as these symptoms may indicate a different problem in the digestive tract.

Taking Imodium with certain other medications may cause harm. Ask a healthcare provider about safely using medications together.

This is not a complete list of warnings and precautions associated with Imodium. Consult a healthcare provider for more information and report any concerns or adverse effects of the medicine.