Product Description
Imodium Capsule 2mg is an antidiarrheal medicine used to treat acute and chronic diarrhea and traveler’s diarrhea.
Imodium Capsule Formula
Imodium Capsule contains Loperamide Hydrochloride which belongs to the class of antidiarrheal agents.
Imodium Capsule Uses
Diarrhea can happen to anyone at any time. It can affect your sleep and daily activities. Well, in that case, Imodium can help you lessen the symptoms.
Many doctors prescribe Imodium capsules in cases of acute and chronic diarrhea. Loperamide (antidiarrheal agent) works by decreasing the flow of electrolytes and fluid into the bowel. It also slows down the bowel movement to lessen the number of bowel movements.
Some of the Imodium Capsule 2 mg uses are given as follows:
- Acute and Chronic Diarrhea
- Travelers Diarrhea
- Chemotherapy Induced Diarrhea
Doctors usually prescribe the drug to those who have diarrhea issues.
Imodium Capsule Alternatives
There are alternatives to this drug present in the market, such as Pepto-Bismol (Tablet / Syrup), Lotronex (Tablet), Viberzi (Tablet), Flagyl Tablet, etc.
Medicinal Forms
Dosage and Administration
- Doctors recommend taking 4 mg or two capsules for adults, followed by 2mg or one capsule, after each stool.
- However, for children, it is better to consult a professional healthcare provider.
- For traveler's diarrhea, initially take 4mg after first stool and then take 2mg after each stool. (Maximum dosage: 8mg/day).
- The maximum dosage of imodium capsules is 16mg (8 capsules) a day. One should not take more than 16 mg of Imodium capsule in a day.
- Consider taking the capsule after food.
- Avoid crushing or chewing the capsule; instead, swallow it whole along with some water.
- If you miss a dose of Imodium Capsule, then take the dose as early as possible. But if it is almost the time of the next dose, then skip the previous one and take the next one. And follow the regular dosing schedule.
- Follow the dosing instructions as advised by your doctor.
Imodium Capsule Side Effects
There are no serious side effects after taking Imodium Capsule. But some of the commonly occurring effects are as follows:
- Dry Mouth
- Flatulence
- Colic
- Feeling Sick
- Tiredness
- Constipation or Wind
- Abdominal Cramp
Risks and Warnings
There are some circumstances under which the use of medicine can be alarming. So before using the medicine, know its risks and warnings. Some of the risks and warnings associated with it are:
The kidney's function is to detoxify the body. So, in patients with kidney failure issues, if detoxification doesn't happen, the toxins may accumulate in the body and cause adverse effects. Therefore, people with kidney failure should consult their doctor. The doctor may prescribe a lower dose of the medicine.
The liver aids in the metabolism and excretion of drugs. Therefore, in case of any liver-associated disease, drugs can build up in the body. So, before taking Imodium Capsule or any other drug like Loperamide, always consider taking it to your doctor first.
- Allergic to Imodium Capsule
If you’re allergic to Imodium Capsule or any other drug like Loperamide, then do not take it. It can lead to a life-threatening condition called anaphylactic shock.
Anaphylactic shock is a rare but very severe allergic reaction and can lead to death if not treated at the right time. Its signs and symptoms are pale skin, itching, labored breathing, hives, a weak and rapid pulse, runny nose, nausea, excessive salivation, swollen tongue and lips, dizziness, tingling feet, mouth, hands, or scalp, vomiting, sneezing, etc.
It is better to inform your doctor about any allergies you may have.
- Arrhythmias or Heart Conditions
If you have arrhythmias (a condition in which heart rhythm gets abnormal), take Imodium Capsule with the doctor’s advice only. Moreover, people with any heart condition should take the drug with caution because it can worsen the existing condition.
If you have a fever and diarrhea with blood, it can be due to Dysentery. In this case, you shouldn’t take Imodium and consult a doctor.
If you have intestinal paralysis, then you should take Imodium capsule with great precaution. It is better to take advice from a doctor before taking this drug.
If you have seizure issues, epilepsy, or a history of abnormal EKG, then you should use this capsule with caution.
A common symptom of infectious diarrhea is Fever. Loperamide can worsen infectious diarrhea. Therefore, if you have a fever or high temperature with diarrhea, then avoid using an Imodium capsule.
Drug Interactions
When you take more than two drugs together, they can cause a reaction in the body. Sometimes the reaction is not obvious. But sometimes, it can cause adverse reactions. Therefore, it is better to consult your doctor before taking any other medicines along with Imodium Capsule.
It is an antidiarrheal agent and may interact with the following drugs:
- Medicines that can Cause Constipation, Including Anticholinergics e.g., Belladonna or Scopolamine
- Antispasmodics (Glycopyrrolate or Oxybutynin)
- Certain Antihistamines (Diphenhydramine)
- Potent Opioid Pain Medicines (Morphine)
- Tricyclic Antidepressants (Amitriptyline)
- Ritonavir and Saquinavir
- Cholestyramine
To avoid any drug interactions, it is better to tell your doctor the complete medical history and the medicines that you’re already taking.
Overdose of Imodium Capsule
Some of the symptoms of an overdose of Imodium Capsule are:
- Fast or Irregular Heartbeats
- Fainting
- Slowdown or Stoppage of the Bowels
In case of an overdose, it is advised to talk to your doctor immediately.
Storage Conditions
- Store in a cool, dry place, and avoid refrigerating it
- Store it at room temperature (20–25°C)
- Keep it away from heat, direct sunlight, and moisture
- Keep it away from children and pets
- Do not use the medicine once it has passed its expiration date
