Imodium (Loperamide Hydrochloride) Capsules/Tablets

Overview

Imodium Capsules/Tablets can be used to treat two types of diarrhoea: short term diarrhoea and IBS diarrhoea. The medication contains loperamide hydrochloride, a substance that helps reduce diarrhoea by slowing down an overactive bowel. This allows water and salts that are usually lost in diarrhoea to be absorbed by the body.

Directions

Always take this medicine exactly as described in the patient information leaflet, or as your doctor or pharmacist has told you.

If you are suffering from short-term diarrhoea and are aged 12 years or older, take two capsules to start treatment, and then one capsules after each loose bowel movement. You can use this for up to 48 hours.

If you are suffering from IBS diarrhoea, only adults aged 18 and over should take this medicine, taking two capsules to start and then take one capsule after each loose bowel movement (or as advised by your doctor). You can use this for up to 2 weeks for repeat attacks, but do not take for any one attack lasting longer than 48 hours.

Side Effects

Imodium Capsules/Tablets can have side effects, like all medicines, although these don’t affect everyone, and most are usually mild. A few common side effects can include:

• feeling sick, constipated or wind
• headache
• dizziness or drowsiness
• vomiting, indigestion
• dry mouth

If you experience allergic reactions, skin rashes, or a loss/reduced level of consciousness, stop using the medication immediately and get medical help at once.

Any side effects you experience should be mentioned to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible ones not listed in the information leaflet.

How it works

Imodium contains loperamide, a medicine that helps stop diarrhoea by slowing down the movement of the gut. This allows the body to absorb more water from the stool, making it firmer and less frequent. Imodium is often used for short-term diarrhoea, including traveller’s diarrhoea or sudden upset stomach.

Delivery

Medication that you purchase through e-Pharmacy will be delivered by Royal Mail, with the delivery choices being Royal Mail Tracked 48, Royal Mail Tracked 24, and Royal Mail Special Delivery by 1pm (discover more about e-Pharmacy delivery).

All NHS prescription items are sent to you free of charge using Royal Mail Tracked 48 service.

Ingredients

The active ingredient in Imodium is loperamide hydrochloride.

The other ingredients are lactose, maize starch, talc and magnesium stearate (E572). The capsule itself is made up of titanium dioxide (E171), black ferrous oxide (E172), yellow ferric oxide (E172), indigo carmine (E132), erythrosine (E127), and gelatin.

Warnings

You should not take this medication:

• If you have ever had a bad reaction to any of the ingredients.
• If it is for a child aged under 12 (or under 18 for an IBS patient).
• If you have severe diarrhoea after taking antibiotics.
• If you are having a flare-up of an inflammatory bowel condition like ulcerative colitis.
• If you are constipated, or your stomach appears swollen (especially in children with severe dehydration).
• If you have acute dysentery, the symptoms of which may include blood in your stools and a high temperature.

Additionally, talk to your doctor first if any of the following apply to you:

• If you have AIDS and your stomach becomes swollen, stop taking the capsules immediately and contact your doctor.
• If you suffer from liver disease.
• If you have diarrhoea that lasts for more than 48 hours.
• If you have been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars.
• If you have severe diarrhoea as your body loses more fluid, sugars and salts than normal.
• If you are taking any other medicines, including:
• ritonavir (used to treat HIV).
• quinidine (used to treat abnormal heart rhythms or malaria).
• oral desmopressin (used to treat excessive urination).
• itraconazole or ketoconazole (used to treat fungal infections).
• gemfibrozil (used to treat high cholesterol)