Imodium

Drug Uses

Imodium is used to control the symptoms of diarrhea (including traveler's diarrhea, and reducing the volume of discharge from an ileostomy (a surgical opening in the wall of the intestines)) that may be a result of gastroenteritis or IBS.

How it is taken

Imodium must be taken by mouth with a meal to avoid an upset stomach. Increase your fluid intake while using the drug and ensure that you do not use it for more than 2 days unless directed by your doctor.

The best way to use the drug is as recommended by your doctor.

Missed Dosage

If you miss a dose of Imodium, then you may take it as soon as you remember and adjust the remaining doses accordingly. However, if it is nearly time for the next dose then you may skip this dose and continue with the regular dosage. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.

Overdose

Some of the typical symptoms of an Imodium overdose include constipation, drowsiness or deep sleep, nausea, slow pulse, slowed breathing, vomiting. Seek medical attention immediately if you suspect an overdose.

Warnings/Precautions
Discuss with your doctor about any prior medical condition that you may have including allergies to medicines, food or other substances, if you are allergic to any ingredient in Imodium, if you have liver disease, infectious diarrhea, or other bowel problems (eg, ulcerative colitis, pseudomembranous colitis, blockage, enlarged colon).

You must not take Imodium if you are allergic to any ingredient in it or if you have dysentery or bloody diarrhea with high fever, have stomach pain without diarrhea, or if the patient is a child younger than 2 years of age.

If you are pregnant or suspect that you are, then stop using Imodium and contact your doctor immediately.

Certain drugs can interact with Imodium and hence, mention clearly to your doctor or pharmacist all medicines, dietary supplements and herbal prescriptions that you are taking.

It is unknown whether Imodium is secreted in breast milk. Avoid breast feeding while using the drug.

Imodium should not be used in children below 1 year of age and used with extreme caution in children (1-18 years) as the safety and effectiveness of the drug in children has not been confirmed yet.

Periodic lab tests may be recommended to monitor your health while taking the drug. Ensure that you do not miss any lab tests.

If your diarrhea does not improve even after 48 hours and you start developing a fever, then stop taking the drug and contact your doctor immediately.

Please note that while Imodium is used to cure the symptoms of the diarrhea it does not cure the actual condition causing it.

Possible Side Effects

Severe side effects include allergic reactions (rash, hives, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue), bloating, blood in the stools, constipation, decreased urination, difficulty breathing, fever, nausea, red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin, stomach swelling, sudden abdominal pain or discomfort, swelling of the throat, vomiting.

You must seek medical attention immediately if any of these side effects occur.