Type of medicine: antidiarrheal
Generic and brand names: loperamide, oral; Imodium; Imodium A-D (There may be other brand names for this medicine.)
This medicine is taken by mouth to treat acute (sudden) and chronic (long-term) diarrhea. You can buy this medicine without a prescription.
It may be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have:
This medicine should not be taken to treat diarrhea caused by treatment with antibiotics or diarrhea caused by food poisoning. Talk with your provider about this.
Females of childbearing age: Talk with your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.
This medicine comes in different forms. Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Take this medicine exactly as directed by your healthcare provider. Do not take more than prescribed. Too much of this medicine can increase the risk of side effects. If you are using the nonprescription form of this medicine, follow the directions on the package exactly.
If you have the liquid, shake well before using. Use the measuring cup that comes in the package rather than a common kitchen spoon to make sure you are getting the right dose.
If you have the chewable tablets, chew the tablets before swallowing. They will begin to dissolve immediately in your mouth. Take the chewable tablets on an empty stomach, 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.
You may take regular tablets, capsules, or the liquid form with or without food. Taking it with meals may lessen the chance the medicine will upset your stomach.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.
If you or anyone else has intentionally taken too much of this medicine, call 911 or go to the emergency room right away. If you pass out, have seizures, weakness or confusion, or have trouble breathing, call 911. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. The poison control center number is 800-222-1222.
Symptoms of an acute overdose may include: dizziness, drowsiness, decreased urination, severe stomach cramps, bloating, vomiting.
If you have acute diarrhea, contact your healthcare provider right away if you develop a fever over 101°F, severe stomach pain, severe nausea or vomiting, or bloody diarrhea, or if your condition does not improve in 2 days after taking this medicine.
If you have chronic diarrhea, contact your healthcare provider if your condition does not improve in 10 days after taking this medicine.
This medicine may make you drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are fully alert.
This medicine increases the effects of alcohol and other drugs that slow down your nervous system. Do not drink alcohol or take other medicines unless your healthcare provider approves.
This medicine may cause dry mouth. Contact your healthcare provider if it becomes severe.
Do not use this medicine for other similar conditions unless your healthcare provider approves.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are taking this medicine.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Fever over 101°F, bloody diarrhea, constipation, severe stomach pain, severe nausea or vomiting.
Other: Drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth.
When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
