IMODIUM (Loperamide) is a synthetic opioid, anti-diarrhoeal drug that is prescribed to treat acute and chronic diarrhoea of any underlying pathology. IMODIUM (Loperamide) acts on the opioid receptors of the target cells (intestinal tissues) and decreases the intestinal tonicity and abnormal peristalsis (intestinal propulsion). IMODIUM (Loperamide) is a preferable drug choice in medical management of diarrhoea in traveller’s diarrhoea, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, viral diarrhoea and non-infectious diarrhoea by abnormal peristalsis. But IMODIUM (Loperamide) is not useful in some of the bacterial diarrhoea such as cholera and shigellosis. IMODIUM (Loperamide) contains morphine-like substance but it will not cause addiction or euphoria. IMODIUM (Loperamide) is contraindicated in children less than 2 years.
Who should not take IMODIUM (LOPERAMIDE)?
IMODIUM (Loperamide) is contraindicated in patients with pre-existing medical conditions such as paralytic ileus, toxic megacolon, recent surgical history of large intestine, vertigo, gastritis, bloody stools, constipation, retroviral infections, severe liver and kidney damage or dysfunctions. If you have recent history of Shigellosis, cholera or campylobacter infection, you should not take IMODIUM (Loperamide). According to Food and Drug Administration, IMODIUM (Loperamide) is a pregnancy category – C drug and you should not take IMODIUM (Loperamide), if you are in gestation. It is unknown whether IMODIUM (Loperamide) can pass through the breast milk. If you are a lactating mother, you should consult your Physician before taking IMODIUM (Loperamide).
IMODIUM (LOPERAMIDE) Side Effects:
IMODIUM (Loperamide) can cause moderate side effects including constipation, nausea or vomiting, skin allergy with rashes and flares, abdominal distension, anorexia, general fatigue, mild to moderate dizziness, muscular cramps, fever, dry mouth and vision and/or taste changes. IMODIUM (Loperamide) can cause withdrawal syndrome in rare cases and hence it should be avoided if you are using any other opioids, alcohol and tobacco. In rare instances, IMODIUM (Loperamide) may cause urinary retention with increased BUN, angioedema, severe and life-threatening anaphylactic shock, electrolytic depletion or imbalance, frequent but incomplete micturition, paralytic ileus and toxic megacolon.
How should I take IMODIUM (LOPERAMIDE)?
The daily recommended adult dosage of IMODIUM (Loperamide) is 4 mg in divided dosages. The paediatric syrup formulation contains 1mg/5ml dose. The recommended children dose is 1mg of IMODIUM (Loperamide) thrice daily, in divided doses. The following instruction should be followed to take the IMODIUM (Loperamide) – 4 mg (Daily): (1) You can take IMODIUM (Loperamide) anytime disregard of food intake. 2) Take IMODIUM (Loperamide) while you are sitting or standing up. 3) Take IMODIUM (Loperamide) with 6 to 8 ounces (about 1 cup) of plain water. Do not take IMODIUM (Loperamide) with any other drink besides plain water. Do not take IMODIUM (Loperamide) with coffee, tea, juice, milk or other dairy drinks. 4) Swallow IMODIUM (Loperamide) on a whole. Do not chew the tablet or keep IMODIUM (Loperamide) in your mouth to melt or dissolve. After taking IMODIUM (Loperamide) you must wait at least 30 minutes BEFORE: 1) lying down. You may sit, stand, or do normal activities like read the newspaper or take a walk. 2) Eating or drinking anything except plain water.
Keep taking IMODIUM (Loperamide) for as long as your health care provider tells you. To treat your diarrhoea or keep you away from the symptoms, you have to take IMODIUM (Loperamide) as often and in the way IMODIUM (Loperamide) as prescribed.
What should I know before I take IMODIUM (LOPERAMIDE)?
- Take IMODIUM (Loperamide) exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
- IMODIUM (Loperamide) can be taken with or without food.
- Apart from IMODIUM (Loperamide), food restrictions and rest can improve the symptoms. Normal, but bland food with yogurt, yeast rich bread and baker’s yeast can improve the symptoms.
- If you are allergic to any of the synthetic opioids, you should not take IMODIUM (Loperamide). Inform your doctor about your allergy.
- You must check your serum electrolytes often while you are taking IMODIUM (Loperamide).
- Don’t self medicate IMODIUM (Loperamide). It may cause serious adverse reactions.
- Avoid alcohol and smoking habits while you take IMODIUM (Loperamide).
- For IMODIUM (Loperamide) dosage one must follow his doctor's instructions.
- You should stop taking IMODIUM (Loperamide), if blood stools are accompanied with diarrhoea. Consult your Physician right away.
- It is important to take IMODIUM (Loperamide) regularly to get the most benefit, as directed by the Physician.
- Do not stop taking IMODIUM (Loperamide) without first talking to your doctor, even if you are feeling well. Even after your symptoms improve, you may require continuous treatment for quite some time, as directed by the Physician.
- Store IMODIUM (Loperamide) as per the instructions on the label and keep away from children and pets.
What happens if I miss a dose of IMODIUM (LOPERAMIDE)?
Take the missed dose of IMODIUM (Loperamide) as soon as you remember, during the same day. If you do not remember until the next day, skip the missed dose and take IMODIUM (Loperamide) next day as routine dose. Do not take a double dose of the medication.
What happens if I overdose of IMODIUM (LOPERAMIDE)?
If you experience abnormal urination, thirst, dizziness and abdominal distension, it may be the symptoms of IMODIUM (Loperamide) overdose. In this case, try to vomit the gastric contents as a first-aid and seek emergency medical attention immediately. Do not attempt to self-medicate anti-dotes such as naloxone and activated charcoal, which may worsen the situation.
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