What is Imodium A-D?
Imodium A-D (loperamide) slows down the digestion rhythm so that your small intestines can absorb more fluids and nutrients.Imodium A/D is used for the treatment of diarrhea.Imodium A-D is used to reduce the amount of stool for people with an ileostomy.
Warnings
Imodium A/D should not be used if you suffer from ulcerative colitis, have bloody or tarry stool, have diarrhea associated with a high temperature, or have diarrhea due to antibiotic medications.Take only the prescribed dose. Loperamide misuse can lead to serious heart problems and even death.
Imodium A-D can cause serious heart problems if taken with other medications. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist for advice on how to safely combine medications.Loperamide can impair your reactions or thinking. You should be careful when driving or doing anything else that requires alertness.Loperamide may cause breathing and heart problems for a young child.
Take this medication with plenty of fluids. You may need to wait up to 48 hours after taking Imodium A-D for your symptoms. Continue to take the medication according to instructions, and inform your doctor if you do not see improvement in your symptoms after 10 days.
Before you take this drug
Imodium A-D should not be used if:
- Stomach pain with diarrhea
- A high fever and diarrhea
- Colitis ulcerative
- A bacterial infection can cause diarrhea.
- Stools that are black, bloody, or tarry
Children younger than two years old should not be given this medication. Do not give it to older children or teenagers without consulting a doctor.
If you suffer from:
- A fever
- Mucus in the stools
- Liver disease
- A heart rhythm disorder.
Consult your doctor before taking Imodium A-D for diarrhea caused by Clostridium difficilis.Consult your doctor before taking this medication if you're pregnant or nursing.If you use loperamide, it is not recommended that you breastfeed.
Similar/related drugs
Ciprofloxacin, Bactrim, Sulfamethoxazole/Trimethoprim, Loperamide, Imodium, Neomycin, and Lomotil
How to take Imodium A-D?
Imodium AD should be taken exactly as directed by the manufacturer or your doctor.When used according to the instructions, Imodium A-D is safe. Taking too much LOPERAMIDE can cause serious heart problems or death.
Follow all the instructions on the label of your medicine. The safe dose for loperamide for adults is different from the dose for children. The doses of this medicine in children depend on the child's weight.Imodium A-D should be taken with a glass of water. Diarrhea may cause you to lose electrolytes and fluids. Be sure to drink plenty of water to avoid becoming dehydrated.
Chew the chewable tablet before swallowing. Take the chewable tablets on an empty stomach (at least 1 hour before or after eating).Before measuring a dose, shake the orally suspended liquid. Use the provided dosing device or a dose-measuring tool (not a spoon).
All liquid forms of the medicine may not have the same strength. Follow all instructions on how to dose the medicine.Store away from moisture or heat at room temperature. Don't allow liquid medicines to freeze.If you continue to have diarrhea even after two days or if you have abdominal bloating, stop taking Imodium A.D. and contact your doctor.
What happens if I miss the dose?
Imodium A-D does not require a schedule of daily doses because it is only used as needed. If your symptoms don't improve after taking this medication, call your doctor.
What happens if I overdose?
Call the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222 or seek emergency medical care. A loperamide overdose can be fatal.Fast or irregular heartbeats or fainting are all possible overdose symptoms. If you are unable to wake yourself up after passing out, someone caring for you needs to seek immediate medical attention.
What should be avoided?
Do not drink tonic water. Tonic water can interact with loperamide, causing serious heart problems.
Drink plenty of water to avoid becoming dehydrated. If you are dehydrated, avoid vigorous exercise and hot weather.Imodium A-D liquid may contain alcohol. Do not drive or engage in hazardous activities until you have determined how the medicine will affect you. You may be unable to react properly.
Side effects of Imodium A-D
If you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction or a severe skin reaction, seek immediate medical attention. These include hives, difficulty breathing, swelling or pain in the face or throat, or burning in the eyes.
If you experience:
- Diarrhea that is bloody or watery
- Stomach pain or bloating
- Diarrhea that is persistent or getting worse
- You may experience rapid or pounding pulses, chest fluttering, shortness of breath, and a sudden feeling of dizziness.
Imodium A/D side effects include:
- Constipation;
- Dizziness, drowsiness;
- Nausea;
- Stomach cramps.
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Interaction with other drug
Using certain medications together can be dangerous. Some drugs may affect the blood levels of the drugs that you are taking. You can ask your doctor or pharmacist how to safely use medications together.
Loperamide is a drug that can cause serious heart problems when taken in high doses.
Loperamide can be affected by many drugs. These include prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. This list does not include all possible interactions. Inform your doctor of all medications you are currently taking and those that you will stop or start using.
