Imodium
Brand Names
Diamode, Imodium A-D, Imodium A-D EZ Chews, Imodium A-D New Formula, Kao-Paverin, Kaopectate 1-D, Maalox Anti-DiarrhealWhat is Imodium
Imodium is an opioid drug using against diarrhea resulting from gastroenteritis or inflammatory bowel disease.
Side effects of Imodium
The most common side effects identified in patients taking Imodium included:
- allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throat
- stomach pain or bloating
- ongoing or worsening diarrhea
- diarrhea that is watery or bloody
- severe skin reaction - fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain, followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling
- constipation
Indication
Imodium is used to cure diarrhea. It 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).
Precautions
You should not take Imodium if you are allergic to loperamide or if you have:
- stools that are bloody, black or tarry
- diarrhea that is caused by taking an antibiotic
- a fever
- a history of liver disease
Dosage forms
Acute Diarrhea
Adults: 4 mg (2 capsules) followed by 2 mg (1 capsule) after each unformed stool. Clinical improvement is usually observed within 48 hours.
Children: First Day Dosage Schedule
- 2-5 years: 1 mg t.i.d. (3mg daily dose) (13 to 20 kg)
- 6-8 years: 2 mg b.i.d. (4mg daily dose) (20 to 30 kg)
- 8-12 years: 2 mg t.i.d. (6mg daily dose) (greater than 30 kg)
Recommended Subsequent Daily Dosage
Following the first treatment day, it is recommended that subsequent imodium doses (1 mg/10 kg body weight) be taken only after a loose stool.
Chronic Diarrhea
Adults: 4 mg (2 capsules) followed by 2 mg (1 capsule) after each unformed stool until diarrhea is controlled, after which the dosage of imodium should be reduced.
