Imodium

Imodium tablets are used in the treatment of diarrhoea. They can provide almost immediate symptomatic relief by slowing down bowel movements. This allows the body more time to absorb moisture and nutrients from the food already in your system, and it can also prevent dehydration in this way.

How do Imodium tablets work?

Imodium contains loperamide which works on receptors in the muscle walls of the intestines. These receptors stimulate muscle contractions, but after the influence of loperamide they slow down, allowing food to be digested at a slower pace. This not only helps prevent dehydration, but can also reduce the discomfort caused by a condition such as diarrhoea.

Who can and can’t take it?

Imodium is safe for most people to take, however, some people shouldn’t use it. You should use another treatment if you are using antibiotics, have ulcerative colitis or if your stomach appears swollen.

If the causes of your diarrhoea are serious, such as if it’s due to acute dysentery or some other viral or bacterial cause, you should ensure that you receive treatment for the actual causes as well as symptomatic treatment.

How do you take it?

It’s generally recommended that you take two Imodium tablets straight away and afterwards one tablet every time you experience an episode of diarrhoea. If you don’t start feeling better within two days of starting treatment with Imodium, it’s a good idea to pay a visit to your doctor.

This treatment can help prevent dehydration, but it’s important that you take in more water or possibly use rehydration agents like Dioralyte to help rehydrate your body and also allow you to recover more quickly from your illness.

Are there any side effects?

Imodium loperamide can cause side effects, but this doesn’t mean that everyone will get them. Most of the side effects of Imodium tablets are extremely rare and could include: constipation, dizziness, drowsiness, abdominal swelling and cramps, nausea and vomiting, indigestion or an itchy rash.

If you experience any of these effects and they are particularly bothersome, you should tell your doctor straight away. You should also seek immediate medical attention in the case of an allergic reaction which could cause you to experience a sudden swelling of the face, lips and tongue, difficulty breathing and hives.

How do you store it?

It’s important to store Imodium loperamide in a cool dry place, safe and out of the reach of children. Try and keep the blister packs in the original box to ensure that exposure of the tablets to light will be kept to a minimum. Make sure that you don’t use Imodium after it’s reached its expiry date and take it to your pharmacist, so that it can safely be disposed of without damaging the environment.