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Home > Drug Category > Laxatives & Antidiarrhea > Imodium and Equivalent

Imodium Information

Imodium (Loperamide) is used to treat sudden diarrhea, including traveler’s diarrhea. The drug is also used to reduce the amount of discharge in patients who have undergone an ileostomy. Imodium is also used to treat ongoing diarrhea in people with inflammatory bowel disease. The drug treats only the symptoms of diarrhea. It does not treat the cause. Antidiarrheal like Loperamide slow down the movement of the gut. This decreases the number of bowel movements and makes the stool less watery.

Imodium Side Effects

The most common side effects of Imodium may include dizziness; drowsiness; constipation; tiredness; Call your doctor right away if you have any of the serious side effects, such as:
• Fast heartbeat;
• Severe constipation;
• Severe dizziness;
• Signs of an allergic reaction such as rash; breathing difficulties; swelling of the face, tongue, or throat;
• Uncomfortable fullness of the stomach

Imodium Precautions

Do not use Imodium if you are allergic to Loperamide or other ingredients in this medication. Before you start using this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, including if you have stomach pain without diarrhea; have blood or mucus in your stool; have HIV/AIDS; have liver problems; have bowel obstruction; have stomach infections; have acute ulcerative colitis; think you may be pregnant or plan to become pregnant; are breastfeeding, or are planning to breastfeed. Tell your doctor about all the medications you take, including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements, and vitamins. There may be a drug interaction between Imodium and other medications, like ritonavir; cholestyramine; sotalol; ziprasidone; amiodarone; methadone;. Do not use Imodium if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant without informing your doctor. It is not known if this medication will harm your unborn baby. The drug should only be used in pregnancy if the benefits outweigh the risks. Do not use Imodium while breastfeeding without talking to your doctor. Loperamide passes into your breastmilk but is unlikely to harm nursing infants. It is not known if Imodium capsules is safe for use in children below 6 years of age. Use your medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Take this drug by mouth with a full glass of water. Diarrhea can cause dehydration. Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Inform your doctor if your diarrhea does not improve after 2 days. Loperamide may make you dizzy. Avoid drinking alcohol when using this drug. Alcohol may make you dizzier. Do not drive or operate machinery until you can do it safely. Store this medication at room temperature and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do I need a prescription to order Imodium?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Imodium.