Imodium

General information

Imodium belongs to the family of medications called antidiarrheals. It is used to treat short bouts of diarrhea that are not caused by a bacterial infection. It is also used to treat chronic diarrhea caused by inflammatory bowel disease (e.g., Crohn's disease) and to reduce the amount of stool produced for people who have ileostomies, colostomies, or have had part of their intestines removed. It works by slowing down the movement of the gut. This decreases the number of bowel movements and makes the stool less watery.

Directions

It is important to use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. For adults and children 12 years of age and older who have acute or chronic diarrhea, the recommended dose is 4 mg, followed by a 2 mg dose after each loose bowel movement (or bout of diarrhea). Do not exceed 16 mg per day. Children 6 to 12 years of age the recommended dose is 2 mg 3 times daily. Stop using it if you have a solid or hard stool or if you go for 24 hours without a bowel movement.

Precautions

Before taking Imodium, tell your doctor if you are allergic to loperamide or if you have any other allergies, stomach/abdominal pain without diarrhea, bowel obstruction. Loperamide should not be used for more than 2 days. Check with your doctor if your diarrhea does not stop after two days or if you develop a fever. Elderly persons with diarrhea must receive a sufficient amount of liquids to replace the fluid lost by the body.

Contraindications

This medicine should not be used in children under 6 years of age, if you are allergic to loperamide or any ingredients of the medication. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.