These forms contain the active drug loperamide. But both Imodium and opioids can cause side effects such as constipation and sleepiness. Learn more: Pregnancy and diarrhea: Causes and remedies . Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. Also, do not take it for longer than 2 days unless directed by a doctor to do so. But separate studies have found both Imodium and Lomotil to be effective for treating diarrhea. In addition to loperamide, Imodium Multi-Symptom Relief contains the antiflatulent drug simethicone. When you take antibiotics, diarrhea can be a common side effect. Please note, comments must be approved before they are published, 7 Eye Care Tips For Maintaining Good Eyesight, Monday - Thursday 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM ESTFriday 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM ESTSaturday - Sunday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM ESTcustomerservice@wellspringmeds.com, Taxes and shipping calculated at checkout. And they can recommend appropriate treatment for your condition. It can also lead to other symptoms of opioid overdose, such as CNS and respiratory depression. They can replace "bad" bacteria that live in your gut. The following information is provided for clinicians and other healthcare professionals. They can recommend ways to help improve your condition. Imodium Multi-Symptom Relief, which contains two active drugs: loperamide and simethicone. Not all diarrheal illnesses can be treated safely with su. Some people misuse Imodium in this way to make themselves feel high. This over-the-counter medication can decrease the frequency of your stools and shorten the duration of your illness. Analysis of loperamide-related European Medicines Agency (EMA) pharmacovigilance data reports. However, no more than 30 mL should be given within 24 hours. Older children and teenagers should also not be given loperamide unless it has been recommended by a physician. However, if a C. diff infection is treated with an antibiotic, current guidelines suggest that Imodium could be used for related diarrhea. Dont take Imodium if you have blood in your stools or black stools. You can take Imodium as soon as you experience symptoms. It can occur anywhere, but the highest-risk destinations are in Asia (except for Japan and South Korea) as well as the Middle East, Africa, Mexico, and Central and South America. These symptoms may indicate paralytic ileus. Caution: do not give ORS as the only fluid for more than 6 hours. Imodium Multi-Symptom Relief and Pepto Bismol are also used to relieve some symptoms that can occur with diarrhea, such as cramps, bloating, and gas. Imodium A-D softgels should be swallowed whole. Imodium and Lomotil are both brand-name drugs, but generic forms of each are available. See additional information. What is loperamide? Loperamide should not be taken by children who are younger than two years of age. You can buy these drinks at drugstores and grocery stores. Here are some of the questions we're asked most often, along with our answers. This mild side effect is explained in the Side effect details section below. Changes in stool color (not a side effect). This is how Imodium use leads to firmer stools and fewer bowel movements. However, it can sometimes cause side effects. Imodium may pass into human breast milk in small amounts. According to Imodiums manufacturer, in clinical studies constipation occurred in less than 3% of people who took the drug. Below are examples of these side effects. If you have questions about using other treatments with Imodium, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. For instance: Kaopectate is used in adults and children ages 12 years and older. Heres how you can help. Heres some detail on certain side effects this drug may or may not cause. This kids' anti-diarrheal liquid is designed to work with . If your doctor says its safe, you may be able to take Imodium for diarrhea thats caused by other drugs. These include sleepiness or dizziness. If youre concerned about not having bowel movements while youre taking Imodium, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Traveler's diarrhea - Diagnosis and treatment - Mayo Clinic Loperamide may be used to treat diarrhea or to reduce the amount of stool (poop) in people who have an ileostomy (which is when a surgeon re-routes your bowel through a small opening in your torso). Pepto Bismol contains the active drug bismuth subsalicylate. More research is needed to know if they soothe diarrhea.. Over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medications, such as loperamide and bismuth subsalicylate, might help reduce the number of watery bowel movements and control severe symptoms. Diarrhea is a common side effect of drugs, and many medications can cause it. List of 39 Diarrhea Medications Compared - Drugs.com But its not known how often these side effects occur with Imodium use. Imodium is generally well tolerated by many people. Food matter moves through your system too fast, resulting in watery bowel movements that are more frequent than usual. Imodium is available in four different products: Gluten isnt listed as an inactive ingredient for any forms of Imodium. To read about the possible side effects of Imodium, see the Imodium side effects section below. They may also recommend a gluten-free product for your condition. It may cause mild side effects in some people. Can antibiotics cause diarrhea? It also helps keep the drug from harming the environment. But these guidelines mention that no studies are available to confirm the safety of this treatment option. Do not take more Imodium than is recommended in the product label or instructed by your doctor. View more FAQ Topics under Diarrhea Diarrhea, Acute (42 drugs in 5 topics) Diarrhea, Chronic (17 drugs) Post-Cholecystectomy Diarrhea (1 drug) Alternative treatments for Diarrhea You should see an improvement in your symptoms within 2 days. Pectin: Uses and Risks - WebMD Travelers' Diarrhea | Travelers' Health | CDC Bismuth Subsalicylate should not be used by pregnant women who are in the 3rd trimester. Travelers' Diarrhea. Lomotil generally costs more than Imodium. narcotic pain medications such as morphine, oxycodone, and fentanyl. Best Medicine For 2 Year Old With Diarrhea 2022 - BabyMilk This helps move the food you eat through your digestive system. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. For more information about taking Imodium during pregnancy, see the Imodium and pregnancy section just above. See the side effect lists above for more information. In addition to the uses discussed above in the Imodium for diarrhea section, you may wonder if Imodium is used for certain other conditions. It can be highly uncomfortable, but many people can treat it at home using simple home remedies. Imodium A-D caplets are suitable for adults and children ages 6 years and older, and children ages 2 to 5 years if recommended by a doctor. All rights reserved. It can be abused and may be dangerous when taken in high doses. Diarrhea is loose, runny poop. C. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Imodium. Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. Is the ketogenic diet right for autoimmune conditions? Alternative medicine. If your doctor has prescribed Imodium and youre interested in using loperamide instead, talk with your doctor. Constipation may last for a few days after you take Imodium, but it typically goes away on its own. (For more information about side effects of Imodium, see the Imodium side effects section above.). Learn about what to do and when you should see a doctor. Imodium Multi-Symptom Relief is also used to relieve cramps, bloating, and gas that can occur with diarrhea. It is most commonly found in a liquid form, but it may also be found in liquid capsules and dry oral tablets. Imodium comes in the following forms that are taken by mouth: Kaopectate comes as a chewable tablet, a tablet thats swallowed whole, and a liquid. Its usually prescribed to treat diarrhea caused by a chronic condition, such as inflammatory bowel disease. The following information describes the recommended dosages for using Imodium to self-treat acute (short-term) diarrhea. Seek medical assistance right away if you have any of the following symptoms: Imodium interacts with certain drugs that break down in your body in the same way that Imodium does. Diarrhea in Children: Why It Happens & How To Stop It If the childs weight isnt known, dosage should be based on age: Some people experience drowsiness after taking Imodium. Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. This includes metformin (Fortamet, Glumetza, Riomet), which is used to treat diabetes. Diarrhea is a common digestive problem. However, this common household ingredient is highly. Because these drugs are OTC, you dont need a prescription from your doctor to purchase them. Read More. Always check with your doctor before giving your child over-the-counter diarrhea medications such as Imodium and Pepto-Bismol. But not all Imodium products are suitable for children. If youre breastfeeding, talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking Imodium. Taking Imodium with certain medications can increase the level of Imodium in your body. This medication is available in several forms. They can check to see whats causing your diarrhea. This medicine may help treat some types of nausea and vomiting, such as from gastroenteritis (stomach flu). Because its OTC, you dont need a prescription from your doctor to purchase Imodium. Give two softgels after their first loose stool. Youll be able to find it on the shelf. For example, for metformin, its recommended that you take it with food to lessen diarrhea. Schifano F, et al. Imodium is an over-the-counter (OTC) medication thats used to relieve diarrhea. Seek medical attention if your symptoms worsen or your diarrhea lasts longer than 2 days. For instance, some interactions can interfere with how well a drug works. Gluten and lactose can also cause symptoms in people with intolerances. Imodium A-D, which contains the active drug loperamide, is available as a generic drug. However, no more than three caplets should be given within 24 hours. Examples of other drugs that may be used to treat diarrhea include: Taking too much Imodium can lead to serious heart problems, such as irregular heartbeat or heart attack. The following lists contain some of the key side effects that may occur while taking Imodium. Imodium A-D and Imodium Multi-Symptom Relief are both used to treat diarrhea. Take 30 mL of solution after your first loose stool. Can Berberine Supplements Help Manage Diabetes? Explosive or severe diarrhea usually resolves on its own with self-care. Tell them about all prescription, over-the-counter, and other drugs you take. Before approving coverage for Imodium, your insurance company may require you to get prior authorization. This helps prevent others, including children and pets, from taking the drug by accident. Over-the-counter medicines | healthdirect The most common cause of diarrhea is an infection in your digestive system called gastroenteritis. Imodium is available in a generic form called loperamide. And they may recommend a treatment other than Imodium, depending on the results of those tests. The expiration date helps guarantee that the medication is effective during this time. University of Illinois-Chicago, Carly Vandergriendt, Berberine is a natural compound that has been used to treat health conditions like infections and diabetes. Several OTC medicines are used as antiemetics. Both of these medications have a long history and are generally considered to be safe by medical experts. Antibiotics. Generic loperamide is available as a prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medication. However, keep in mind that Imodium is used to treat diarrhea. Its excreted in the bile and subsequently the feces. Because Imodium is OTC, you dont need a prescription from your doctor to purchase it. Never take Imodium if you have abdominal pain without diarrhea. These lists contain examples of serious side effects that can occur with Imodium, with Lomotil, or with both drugs (when taken individually). If you have constipation with Imodium, stop taking the drug. And Imodium can help shorten the amount of time that you have diarrhea. During this process, the intestines absorb water and nutrients. The only condition both Imodium and Lomotil are used to treat is diarrhea. This condition generally goes away within a day or two without medical treatment. If its misused and taken in extremely large doses, Imodium can affect your brain. After that, youll get some details about each one that may help you make a better decision. You should stop taking loperamide HCL if you experience any of these uncommon side effects: Bismuth Subsalicylate is an antidiarrheal that also typically has other effects. Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT, adults and children ages 6 years and older, adults and children ages 12 years and older. In addition, if Imodium is misused (taken in higher doses than are recommended for diarrhea), it can enter your brain. However, Imodiums chemical structure is similar to that of opioids, such as morphine and heroin. Imodium is an effective and widely used treatment for diarrhea. It does not have a high chance of abuse, so it is not controlled in most pharmacies. If youre interested in finding an alternative to Imodium, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. There are different options, and not all of them are necessarily right for you. Imodium and Kaopectate have different uses, but theyre both used to treat diarrhea. It tends to come out fast, suddenly and urgently, and you may have cramping or spasms in your colon when you go. 250mg every 6 hours for children 2-8 years old. If you have any questions about eating certain foods with Imodium, talk with your doctor. If you or your child has a rash (like a nappy rash) from the diarrhoea, use zinc and castor oil ointment or a barrier cream. In this short guide, youre going to learn about the different diarrhea medications you can pick up from a pharmacy without a prescription. Then youll take Imodium after each loose stool that follows. If you have unused medication thats gone past its expiration date, talk with your pharmacist about whether you might still be able to use it. You can take Imodium as soon as you experience symptoms. If you need financial support to pay for Imodium, help may be available. If you feel dizzy or think you may be getting dehydrated while youre taking Imodium, call your doctor. This infection can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites. Imodium can be used to treat both: Imodium is available in four different products, which all contain the drug loperamide. In addition, Imodium Multi-Symptom Relief treats gas, cramps, and bloating that can occur with diarrhea. If you feel sleepy, tired, or dizzy with Imodium, dont drive or operate machines. Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Imodium: How It Works, Dosage, Side Effects, Interactions During this time we've collected a lot of knowledge about diarrhoea, its causes and symptoms, and especially how to treat it. Can diet and exercise reverse prediabetes? And this could raise your risk for side effects from Imodium. Imodium typically starts to control diarrhea within 1 hour after youve taken the first dose.