Imodium

What is Imodium Used For?

Imodium is a brand of treatments that are designed to treat acute diarrhoea and diarrhoea associated with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). The medication comes in several forms, including capsules and tablets that should be swallowed, and orodispersible tablets that dissolve on the tongue. The dual-action relief tablets also calm additional discomforts such as cramps, wind, and bloating.

All versions of Imodium contain the active ingredient loperamide hydrochloride, which helps reduce diarrhoea by slowing an overactive bowel. Imodium Dual Action Relief also contains the anti-foaming agent simeticone, which breaks up trapped wind in the bowel.  

How Does Imodium Work?

The active ingredient in Imodium, loperamide hydrochloride, slows food as it moves through your digestive system. This lets your body absorb more water in your intestines, making your stools firmer. Simeticone, found in Imodium Dual Action Relief, is an antiflatulent that helps small gas bubbles in the gut join together, allowing them to pass through the body more easily and relieve trapped wind. 

Understanding Diarrhoea

Diarrhoea results from stools moving too quickly through the small and large intestines, either because of an illness or intolerance. The intestines are the final stage of the digestive tract and play a vital role in extracting remaining nutrients, vitamins, and water from digested food. Smooth muscles surrounding the intestines contract in waves to push the digested food, known as chyme, through the intestines. As faecal matter moves through, the body absorbs water and nutrients, so stools become drier and firmer.

If stools move through too quickly, the intestines will not have enough time to extract water effectively. This results in more water being passed with the stools, which ultimately results in diarrhoea. 

How Long Does Imodium Take to Work?

Loperamide typically starts to relieve diarrhoea symptoms within 1 hour of taking the tablets or capsules. Use Imodium for only 48 hours, after which your symptoms should have resolved. If not, do not take any more of the medication and speak to your clinician or doctor for advice. 

Is Imodium Good for Diarrhoea?

Yes, Imodium is clinically proven to be an effective treatment for diarrhoea. One double-blind randomised trial involved 50 adults with acute watery diarrhoea, who received either loperamide or placebo. It found that the average stool frequency was 2.6 with loperamide compared to 4.0 with placebo on Day 1, and 1.3 stools vs 3.4 on Day 2.

A separate clinical trial involved 483 adults with acute nonspecific diarrhoea and gas-related abdominal discomfort. It compared a loperamide/simeticone combination (the ingredients in Imodium Dual Action Relief) with each ingredient alone and with a placebo. The study aimed to determine the time to the last unformed stool and the time to relief of gas-related abdominal discomfort.

This basically means that participants using the loperamide and simeticone combination had their last loose or watery stool a lot sooner than those who took the other treatments. The study also found that loperamide and simeticone together provided significantly faster relief of abdominal discomfort.  

How to Take Imodium 

Ensure that you take Imodium exactly as indicated within the Patient Information Leaflet that comes with your chosen medication. Swallow Imodium Classic and Imodium Dual Action Relief whole with a drink of water. Do not break them or take more than the stated dose.

If you’re taking Imodium Instant Melts, peel back the lid and tip the tablet out. Take care not to push the tablets through the lid. Place the correct number of tablets on your tongue and let them dissolve. They don’t need water to swallow them. Do not chew or break the tablets.  

Imodium Dosage Information

You should always take Imodium exactly as described in the Patient Information Leaflet, or as your doctor or clinician has advised. Check with them if you are ever unsure. The exact dosage regimen depends on the product you are taking. 

Imodium Classic Dosage

The table below outlines the dosage regimen for Imodium Classic 2mg capsules. 

If your diarrhoea attacks do not resolve within 48 hours, do not take any more Imodium Classic capsules and speak to your clinician or doctor for more assistance. 

Imodium Dual Action Relief Tablets Dosage

Please see the table below for information about how many Imodium Dual Action Relief tablets you should take. 
 

If symptoms persist or worsen after 48 hours, stop taking Imodium Dual Relief Tablets and talk to your doctor. 

Imodium Instant Melts Dosage

The dosage regimen for Imodium Instant Melts is shown in the table below: 

If your symptoms haven't improved after 48 hours, or you develop new ones, do not take any more Imodium Instant Melts and speak to your clinician for assistance. 

If You Forget to Take Imodium 

If you forget to take a dose of Imodium, take a tablet or capsule after your next loose stool (bowel movement). Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose. 

If You Take Too Much Imodium 

If you have taken too many Imodium tablets or capsules, contact a doctor or hospital immediately for advice. You may experience symptoms such as an increased heart rate, irregular or abnormal heartbeats, muscle stiffness, drowsiness, or weak breathing. 

Imodium Side Effects and Cautions

Like all medications, Imodium capsules and tablets can cause side effects. The exact nature of these depends on the type of treatment you are taking. If you do experience adverse reactions, you can report them to your clinician or via the MHRA’s Yellow Card scheme. Doing so can help improve information on the medication’s safety profile. 

Imodium Classic Side Effects

Imodium Classic can have side effects, though not everyone will experience them. These are mostly mild in nature. Potential adverse reactions include: 

Imodium Classic capsules can result in rare serious side effects that require immediate medical assistance if you experience them. These include:

• Allergic reactions (unexplained wheezing, shortness of breath, passing out, or swelling of the face and throat)
• Skin rashes, which may be severe and include blistering or peeling
• Loss or reduced level of consciousness

More information regarding the potential side effects of Imodium Classic capsules can be found within the Patient Information Leaflet that comes with the medication. 

Imodium Dual Action Relief Side Effects

Most adverse reactions to Imodium Dual Action Relief tablets are mild, and some users may not notice anything at all. Possible side effects include: 

Although the side effects of Imodium Dual Action Relief are usually mild, you should stop using the treatment and seek immediate assistance if you experience any of the following:

• Allergic reactions including swelling of the face, tongue, or throat, difficulty swallowing, unexplained wheezing, shortness of breath which may be accompanied by skin rash or hives
• Decreased levels or loss of consciousness 
• Uncoordinated movements or muscle stiffness

For more information about the side effects of Imodium Dual Action Relief, please see the Patient Information Leaflet that comes with the treatment. 

Imodium Instant Melts Side Effects

Most adverse reactions associated with Imodium Instant Melts are mild, and you may not experience any at all. Possible side effects include: 

You should seek immediate medical assistance if you experience any of the following serious side effects:

• Muscle stiffness or uncoordinated movements
• Passing out, feeling faint or less alert
• Skin rashes that may be severe and include blistering or peeling skin
• Allergic reactions such as unexplained wheezing, shortness of breath, or swelling of the face and throat

You can find more details about the possible side effects of Imodium Instant Melts within the Patient Information Leaflet that accompanies the medication. 

Imodium Warnings and Interactions

Although Imodium is an effective diarrhoea treatment, it may not be suitable for everyone. The medication may interact with other medicines you’re taking or affect a pre-existing medical condition.

Do not take Imodium if you:

• Have ever had a bad reaction to any of the ingredients in the medicine
• Have severe diarrhoea after taking antibiotics
• Are having a flare-up of an inflammatory bowel condition
• Are constipated or your stomach appears swollen
• Have symptoms of acute dysentery (such as blood in your stools and a high temperature)

Further rules and warnings apply if you are using Imodium to treat IBS. More information about this can be found within the Patient Information Leaflet.

Precautions Before Taking Imodium

There are several circumstances where you should consult your clinician or doctor before taking Imodium. These include if you:

• Have been told you are intolerant to some sugars
• Suffer from liver disease
• Have diarrhoea that lasts for more than 48 hours or have severe diarrhoea
• Have AIDS and your stomach becomes swollen 
• Have a history of drug abuse

Imodium and Other Medicines

Inform your clinician about any other medications you are taking before starting Imodium. These include over-the-counter or herbal medicines. You should especially disclose if you are using:

• Ritonavir 
• Quinidine
• Itraconazole or ketoconazole
• Gemfibrozil
• Desmopressin

If you are unsure about any ot the medicines you are taking, speak to your clinician before starting treatment. 

Can You Take Imodium While Pregnant?

You should ask your clinician or doctor for advice before taking Imodium tablets or capsules if you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or are planning for a baby. 

Can You Take Imodium While Breastfeeding?

Do not take Imodium if you are breastfeeding, as small amounts of the medicine may get into your milk. Speak to your doctor or clinician about a suitable diarrhoea treatment. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Imodium