Imodium

Imodium

     * Generic Name: loperamide hcl
     * Brand Name: Imodium


     * What is loperamide?
     * What are the possible side effects of loperamide?
     * What is the most important information I should know about
       loperamide?
     * What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking
       loperamide?
     * How should I take loperamide?
     * What happens if I miss a dose?
     * What happens if I overdose?
     * What should I avoid while taking loperamide?
     * What other drugs will affect loperamide?
     * Where can I get more information?

What is loperamide?

   Loperamide slows the rhythm of digestion so that the small intestines
   have more time to absorb fluid and nutrients from the foods you
   eat.

   Loperamide is used to treat diarrhea. Loperamide 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).

   Loperamide may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication
   guide.

What are the possible side effects of loperamide?

   Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction
   (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a
   severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning in your eyes,
   skin pain, red or purple skin rash that spreads and causes blistering
   and peeling).

   Stop taking loperamide and call your doctor at once if you have:
     * diarrhea that is watery or bloody;
     * stomach pain or bloating;
     * ongoing or worsening diarrhea; or
     * fast or pounding heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, shortness of
       breath, and sudden dizziness (like you might pass out).

   Common side effects may include:
     * constipation;
     * dizziness, drowsiness;
     * nausea; or
     * stomach cramps.

   This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call
   your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side
   effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about loperamide?

   You should not use loperamide if you have ulcerative colitis,
   bloody or tarry stools, diarrhea with a high fever, or diarrhea caused
   by antibiotic medication.

   Loperamide is safe when used as directed. TAKING TOO MUCH LOPERAMIDE
   CAN CAUSE SERIOUS HEART PROBLEMS OR DEATH.

   Serious heart problems may also happen if you take loperamide with
   other medicines. Ask a doctor or pharmacist about safely using
   medications together.

   Do not give loperamide to a child younger than 2 years old.

   Imodium Patient Information including How Should I Take
   Inflammatory Bowel Disease:A Visual Guide to IBD

   Inflammatory Bowel Disease Slideshow Pictures
   RxList

   Take the Tummy Trouble Quiz
   Ulcerative Colitis: Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment

   Ulcerative Colitis Slideshow Pictures

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking loperamide?

   You should not use loperamide if you are allergic to it, or if you
   have:
     * stomach pain without diarrhea;
     * diarrhea with a high fever;
     * ulcerative colitis;
     * diarrhea that is caused by a bacterial infection; or
     * stools that are bloody, black, or tarry.

   Do not give loperamide to a child younger than 2 years old. Do not give
   this medicine to an older child or teenager without a doctor's advice.

   Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to use this medicine
   if you have:
     * a fever;
     * mucus in your stools;
     * liver disease; or
     * AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome).

   Ask your doctor before using loperamide to treat diarrhea caused by
   taking an antibiotic (Clostridium difficile).

   Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant.

   You should not breast-feed while you are using loperamide.

How should I take loperamide?

   Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.

   Loperamide is safe when used as directed. TAKING TOO MUCH LOPERAMIDE
   CAN CAUSE SERIOUS HEART PROBLEMS OR DEATH.

   Carefully follow all dosing directions on the medicine label. A safe
   dose of loperamide is different for an adult than for a child.
   Loperamide doses in children are based on the child's age.

   Take loperamide with a full glass of water. Diarrhea can cause your
   body to lose fluids and electrolytes. Drink plenty of liquids to keep
   from getting dehydrated.

   The loperamide chewable tablet must be chewed before swallowing.

   Shake the oral suspension (liquid) before you measure a dose. Use the
   dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a
   kitchen spoon).

   Not all liquid forms of loperamide are the same strengths. Carefully
   follow all dosing instructions for the medicine you are using.

   Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not allow the
   liquid medicine to freeze.

   Stop taking loperamide and call your doctor if you still have diarrhea
   after 2 days of treatment, or if you also have stomach bloating.

   Imodium Patient Information including If I Miss a Dose
   Inflammatory Bowel Disease:A Visual Guide to IBD

   Inflammatory Bowel Disease Slideshow Pictures
   RxList

   Take the Tummy Trouble Quiz
   Ulcerative Colitis: Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment

   Ulcerative Colitis Slideshow Pictures

What happens if I miss a dose?

   Since loperamide is used when needed, it does not have a daily dosing
   schedule. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after using
   this medicine.

What happens if I overdose?

   Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at
   1-800-222-1222. An overdose of loperamide can be fatal.

   Overdose symptoms may include fast or irregular heartbeats, or
   fainting. A person caring for you should seek emergency medical
   attention if you pass out and are hard to wake up.

What should I avoid while taking loperamide?

   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.

   Loperamide liquid may contain alcohol. Avoid driving or hazardous
   activity until you know how this medicine will affect you. Your
   reactions could be impaired.

What other drugs will affect loperamide?

   Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medications at the same time.
   Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you take. Ask a
   doctor or pharmacist about safely using medications together.

   Loperamide can cause a serious heart problem. Your risk may be higher
   if you also use certain other medicines for infections, heart problems,
   depression, mental illness, cancer, malaria, or HIV.

   Many drugs can affect loperamide. This includes prescription and
   over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all
   possible interactions are listed here. Tell your doctor about all your
   current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Where can I get more information?

   Your pharmacist can provide more information about loperamide.
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