Imodium (loperamide) is an OTC medication used to treat sudden diarrhea including traveler’s diarrhea. Imodium is also used to reduce the amount of stool in people who have an ileostomy (re-routing of the bowel through a surgical opening in the stomach). Imodium belongs to a class of medications called antidiarrheals, and works by slowing the rhythm of digestion so that the small intestines have more time to absorb fluids and nutrients from the foods you eat. It slows down the movement of the gut decreasing the number of bowel movements. It also makes the stool less watery.
Manufacturer Information
Canadian Pharmacy King currently offers the brand Imodium from Canada by Johnson & Johnson in the strength of 2 mg. The brand Imodium is available as Quick Dissolve Tablet and Liquid Gel. The generic Loperamide comes from Canada in the dosage of 2 mg caplets from Canada by a different manufacturer.
Common side effects of Imodium may include constipation, dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, or stomach cramps.
Stop taking this medication and contact your doctor immediately if you notice more serious side effects such as:
• Diarrhea that is watery or bloody;
• Fast or pounding heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, shortness of breath, and sudden dizziness (like you might pass out);
• Ongoing or worsening diarrhea;
• Stomach pain or bloating
This is not a complete list of side effects. If you notice any other side effects not listed here, please contact your doctor or pharmacist.
You should not use Imodium if you are allergic to loperamide, or if you have:
• Stomach pain without diarrhea;
• Diarrhea with a high fever;
• Ulcerative colitis;
• Diarrhea that is caused by a bacterial infection;
• Stools that are bloody, black, or tarry
To make sure Imodium is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have a fever, mucus in your stools, liver disease, or a heart rhythm disorder. Do not give Imodium to a child younger than 2 years old. Do not give this medication to an older child or teenager without a doctors advice. Ask your doctor before using Imodium to treat diarrhea caused by Clostridium Difficile. It is not known if this medication will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. You should not breast feed while using this medication. Avoid drinking tonic water. It can interact with loperamide and may cause serious heart problems. Avoid becoming dehydrated by drinking plenty of fluids. Avoid vigorous exercise or exposure to hot weather if you are dehydrated. Imodium liquid may contain alcohol. Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired. Do not take more than the recommended dose of this medication. Misuse of Imodium can cause serious heart problems that could be fatal. Serious heart problems may also occur if you take Imodium with other medications, especially macrolide antibiotics, azole antifungals, medications for malaria, medications for cholesterol, medications used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), medication used to treat HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) and AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome), and medication used to treat heart conditions. This is not a complete list of interactions, and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements you are currently taking or have recently taken in order to reduce the risk of any possible interactions.
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