Imodium Capsule Uses

About Imodium Capsule

Imodium Capsule uses include the symptomatic control of acute and chronic diarrhea in adults and children aged 6 years and older. It contains loperamide, an antidiarrheal that slows the movement of the gut so the body absorbs more water and salts, which makes stools firmer and less frequent. Use it only under medical supervision because it relieves the symptoms without treating the cause of diarrhea and is not safe in some bowel infections.

Imodium Capsule Uses

Your doctor might give you Imodium Capsule for:

• Acute diarrhea
• Chronic diarrhea
• Reducing the number and volume of stools after an ileostomy

Imodium Capsule Dosage and Administration

Always follow your doctor's instructions exactly.

Adult Dosage:

• Acute diarrhea: 2 capsules to start, then 1 capsule after each loose stool
• Chronic diarrhea: 2 capsules daily to start, then adjusted by your doctor
• Usual maintenance dose in chronic diarrhea is 1 to 6 capsules daily
• Do not take more than 8 capsules, which is 16mg, in 24 hours
• See your doctor if acute diarrhea does not improve within 48 hours

Children Dosage:

• 6 to 17 years, acute diarrhea: 1 capsule to start, then 1 capsule after each loose stool
• 6 to 17 years, chronic diarrhea: 1 capsule daily to start, then adjusted by the doctor
• Maximum daily dose depends on body weight, 3 capsules per 20kg, and never more than 8 capsules
• Not recommended for children under 6 years
• Must not be given to children under 2 years

Imodium Capsule Warnings

Don't use Imodium Capsule if you:

• Are allergic to loperamide or any ingredient
• Have blood in your stools or a high fever
• Have a flare-up of ulcerative colitis
• Have a bowel infection caused by bacteria such as Salmonella, Shigella, or Campylobacter
• Have severe diarrhea after taking antibiotics
• Have constipation, a swollen abdomen, or a blocked bowel
• Are giving it to a child under 2 years

Imodium Capsule Precautions

Talk with your doctor first if you:

• Have liver disease
• Have HIV or AIDS
• Have a heart rhythm problem
• Are pregnant or planning a pregnancy
• Are breastfeeding
• Take ritonavir, quinidine, itraconazole, ketoconazole, gemfibrozil, or desmopressin

Also, remember:

• It treats the symptoms only, so the cause of diarrhea may still need treatment
• Replace lost fluids and salts, especially in children and older adults
• Stop it and see your doctor if you get constipation or a swollen abdomen
• Taking more than the advised dose can cause serious heart rhythm problems
• It may cause dizziness or drowsiness, so take care when driving
• The capsules contain lactose

Imodium Capsule Side Effects

Imodium Capsule is generally well tolerated, but some people may experience side effects.

• Constipation
• Nausea
• Gas
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Abdominal pain or discomfort
• Dry mouth
• Drowsiness

Serious side effects:

• Severe allergic reaction with swelling of the face, lips, or throat
• Severe constipation with a swollen, painful abdomen
• Blistering or peeling skin rash
• Difficulty passing urine
• Fainting or reduced alertness
• Fast or irregular heartbeat
• Severe upper abdominal pain spreading to the back

Storage Conditions

• Store below 30°C in a cool, dry place.
• Protect from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Keep the capsules in the original blister.
• Keep out of reach of children.
• Do not use after expiry date.

Packaging and Quantity

Imodium Capsule is available as:

• 2mg: Pack of 60 capsules (5 strips of 12)

Prescription Requirement

It is a prescription-only medication. Take it only when advised by a doctor, and do not use it for diarrhea with blood or high fever.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Imodium Capsule

Disclaimer

The Marham platform strives to offer expert-reviewed information, which includes error elimination for all its consumers. Patients should always consult experts for medical advice instead of relying on this information. The information available on this page serves only for general information purposes. Always seek medical advice from your doctor before using medicine or expressing health-related worries.