Imodium - what does it help with and how to take it? How to use the drug Imodium: instructions and special instructions Imodium analogues instructions for use

Diarrhea in babies occurs due to natural curiosity. They can pick a juicy berry from a bush and put it straight into their mouth, or pet a stray cat or dog. It is not surprising that many fathers and mothers are interested in pharmacological drugs for diarrhea, which quickly eliminate abdominal pain. The least suitable medicines include Imodium for children. Despite constantly repeated television advertisements convincing of the safety of capsules and tablets, pediatricians do not recommend using Imodium in the treatment of children under 6 years of age. In many countries, taking the medicine is allowed only from 12 years of age.

In the treatment of diarrhea in children, it is better to use mint-flavored dissolving tablets

Compound

The main active ingredient of Imodium is loperamide hydrochloride, a chemical compound of the opioid group. Depending on the type of dosage form and the manufacturer, the drug contains auxiliary components necessary for the formation of capsules and tablets:

iron oxide and titanium dioxide;
indigo carmine and erythrosine;
menthol and sucrose;
corn starch and gelatin.

Imodium tablets dissolve easily in the mouth, leaving a minty taste. The gelatin capsule is formed in such a way that absorption of the active substance occurs directly in the small and large intestines.

Release form

Imodium for children is not produced - in the treatment of diarrhea in a child, the same dosage forms are used as for an adult. Only a doctor can decide which drug is right for the baby, based on a history of diseases and ease of use. For example, some children have problems swallowing capsules. And others cannot swallow the tablet and simply chew it. On pharmacy shelves, the therapeutic line of Imodium is presented:

enteric capsules No. 20 and No. 6;
lozenges No. 6 and No. 10.

A new product from the manufacturer is popular - Imodium Plus. Chewable tablets contain simethicone. This organic compound has the ability to collapse gas bubbles, which is actively used by gastroenterologists in the treatment of flatulence.

pharmachologic effect

The principle of action of Imodium is based on its ability to regulate the innervation of nerve impulses. It acts on the nerve endings of the intestinal smooth muscle muscles, which are sensitive to opioids. The release of acetylcholine and prostaglandins in the gastrointestinal tract is blocked by reducing the functional activity of cholinergic and adrenergic neurons.

Pharmacodynamics

Diarrhea of any etiology is always accompanied by the production of a significant amount of mucus. After a single dose of Imodium, its secretion decreases significantly, which slows down the passage of feces. This complex effect reduces intestinal motor function, increases the tone of the anal sphincter and large intestine. After using Imodium, the following happens:

the severity of pain decreases;
water-electrolyte balance is restored;
the content of mucous substances decreases;
the frequency of urges to defecate is reduced;
the work of the smooth muscle muscles of the intestines is restored.

Warning: “The danger of diarrhea lies primarily in dehydration. Together with water, biologically active substances and microelements necessary for human life are removed.”

Imodium prevents the development of dehydration and accelerates the absorption of vitamins and mineral compounds in the small and large intestines.

Pharmacokinetics

Imodium lozenges begin to act immediately after taking the drug, and enteric capsules take effect after 2-3 hours. The drug is easily absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and then binds to high molecular weight plasma proteins albumin. Imodium is metabolized in liver cells by oxidative dimethylation. A small amount is excreted by the kidneys in the form of conjugated metabolites, and the main part of the active substance leaves the body along with feces.

You should take your child to see a doctor before taking Imodium.

Indications for use

It is strictly forbidden to give it to children without a doctor's prescription. In the vast majority of cases, diarrhea in children occurs due to the consumption of low-quality products or the penetration of pathogenic pathogens of intestinal infections into the body. Taking Imodium during these pathological processes will accelerate the spread of viruses and bacteria, cause serious complications, and create a deadly situation. The pharmacological drug is indicated for the treatment of diarrhea of the following origin:

caused by a change in diet, type and composition of food against the background of metabolic disorders and absorption of metabolic products;
provoked by the penetration of an allergic agent into the child’s bloodstream;
arising after an emotional shock or against the background of increased nervous excitability in the baby.

Acute or chronic diarrhea can be caused by radiation therapy and surgery. In this case, taking Imodium is indicated to increase the density of stool and reduce the frequency of bowel movements.

Treatment regimen

Instructions for the use of Imodium for children 3 years of age and younger limit the use of the antidiarrheal drug. You can use the medicine:

from 4 years old in the form of tablets;
from 6 years in capsule form.

The initial dosage recommended by pediatricians is 2 mg. After each act of defecation, a repeated dose is taken, but the daily dose should not exceed 6 mg. The use of Imodium should be discontinued if the frequency of bowel movements has noticeably decreased or if there are no bowel movements for 12 hours.

Restrictions and contraindications

Imodium should not be used in the treatment of diarrhea in children who have individual sensitivity to the active substance or auxiliary ingredients of the drug. Tablets and capsules are not used if the child has the following pathologies:

deficiency of the digestive enzyme lactase, which takes part in the metabolism of milk sugar;
formation of protrusion on the intestinal walls;
acute ulcerative colitis, enterocolitis;
acute intestinal infections - dysentery, salmonellosis;
a condition in which a decrease in the tone of the intestinal smooth muscle muscles is unacceptable.

Liver failure limits the use of Imodium. Taking the drug is possible if the benefit from its action outweighs the risk. The drug must be immediately discontinued if there is no positive effect within two days.

Side effects

After taking Imodium by a child, parents should carefully monitor his body's reaction to the pharmacological drug. The dyes and flavors contained in the medicine can provoke allergic skin reactions and cause breathing problems. What side effects does Imodium cause?

dizziness;
lethargy, apathy, insomnia;
indigestion;
urinary disturbance;
dryness of the oral mucosa;
intestinal colic;
electrolyte disturbances.

Warning: “Prolonged and uncontrolled use of Imodium in children leads to intestinal obstruction. This disease is deadly, especially for a small child.”

Features of using the drug in children

Imodium is not only not intended for children under one year of age, but is also dangerous. This drug is used for symptomatic treatment only. It does not eliminate the cause of diarrhea - disruption of the central nervous system or pathogenic agents. Taking Imodium quickly cures diarrhea, and salmonella or Staphylococcus aureus remain in the intestines and begin to multiply intensively. The disease sharply worsens, the child develops signs of dehydration and general intoxication:

temperature rises;
vomiting begins;
muscle and tendon reflexes decrease.

Warning: “Taking Imodium during the development of an intestinal viral or bacterial infection can lead to dangerous consequences. Diarrhea, like coughing or sneezing, is a protective reaction. With the help of frequent loose stools, the body tries to get rid of harmful microbes.”

The pediatrician will recommend the use of Imodium only after laboratory and, if necessary, instrumental studies. You can get rid of diarrhea of infectious etiology with the help of safer drugs - Smecta,

Cardinal Health UK 416 Limited (UK), Catalent UK. Swindon Zydis Limited, packaged by Janssen-Cilag S.p.A. (Great Britain)

pharmachologic effect

Pharmacodynamics.

Loperamide, by binding to opiate receptors in the intestinal wall, inhibits the release of acetylcholine and prostaglandins, thereby reducing peristalsis and increasing the transit time of contents through the intestines.

Increases the tone of the anal sphincter, thereby reducing fecal incontinence and the urge to defecate.

Pharmacokinetics.

Absorption of loperamide – 40%.

It is subjected to intensive metabolism during the process of oxidative N-demethylation during the “first” passage through the liver.

Communication with plasma proteins is about 95%, mainly with albumin.

The half-life averages 10.8 hours (range 9 to 14 hours).

It is excreted mainly through the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) with feces, a small part is excreted in the urine (in the form of conjugated metabolites).

Side effects of Imodium

Allergic reactions (skin rash); constipation and/or bloating; intestinal colic; urinary retention (rare); intestinal obstruction (very rare); abdominal pain or discomfort; nausea, vomiting; fatigue; drowsiness, dizziness; dry mouth; a burning or tingling sensation on the tongue that occurs immediately after taking lozenges.

Indications for use

Acute and chronic diarrhea (diarrhea), regulation of stool in patients with ileostomy.

Contraindications Imodium

Children's age (up to 6 years); hypersensitivity to loperamide and/or other components of the drug; acute dysentery and other gastrointestinal tract infections (caused, including Salmonella, Shigella and Campylobacter); intestinal obstruction (including, if necessary, avoiding suppression of peristalsis), diverticulosis, acute ulcerative colitis or pseudomembranous enterocolitis (diarrhea (diarrhea) caused by taking antibiotics); first trimester of pregnancy; lactation period.

Directions for use and dosage

The tablet is placed on the tongue, it dissolves within a few seconds, after which it is swallowed with saliva, without washing down with water.

Adults, including the elderly, and children over 6 years of age:

Acute diarrhea (diarrhea): initial dose – 2 tablets (4 mg) for adults and 1 tablet (2 mg) for children,
subsequently take 1 tablet (2 mg) after each bowel movement in case of loose stools.

Chronic diarrhea (diarrhea):

initial dose – 2 tablets (4 mg) per day for adults and 1 tablet (2 mg) for children;
this dose is then usually individually adjusted so that the stool frequency is 1-2 times a day, which is usually achieved with a maintenance dose of 1 to 6 tablets per day.

Maximum daily dose.

For acute and chronic diarrhea (diarrhea) in adults – 8 tablets (16 mg); in children, the maximum daily dose is calculated based on body weight (3 tablets per 20 kg of child’s body weight - up to 8 tablets (16 mg)).

If normal stool appears or if there is no stool for more than 12 hours, the drug is discontinued.

Overdose

Symptoms:

depression of the central nervous system (CNS): stupor, incoordination, drowsiness, miosis, increased muscle tone, respiratory depression;
intestinal obstruction.

Children are more sensitive to effects on the central nervous system.

Treatment is symptomatic:

gastric lavage,
activated carbon (no later than 3 hours after taking the drug,
artificial ventilation.

The antidote is naloxone.

Since the duration of action of the drug is longer than that of naloxone (1–3 hours), repeated administration of the latter may be necessary.

To detect possible CNS depression, the patient should be closely monitored for at least 48 hours.

Interaction

No information available.

special instructions

Carefully:

for liver failure Use during pregnancy and lactation.

Despite the absence of indications of teratogenic or embryotoxic effects, during pregnancy the drug can be prescribed only if the expected benefit of therapy for the mother outweighs the potential risk to the fetus.

During the first trimester of pregnancy, taking the drug is contraindicated.

Since small amounts of the drug may pass into breast milk, taking lozenges while breastfeeding is contraindicated.

Since lozenges are quite fragile, they should not be pressed through the foil to avoid damage.

In order to remove a tablet from the blister, you need to take the foil by the edge, completely remove it from the hole in which the tablet is located, and, carefully pressing from below, remove the tablet from the package.

The drug should be stopped immediately if constipation or bloating develops.

Since the treatment of diarrhea (diarrhea) is only symptomatic, along with it it is necessary, if possible, to use etiotropic drugs.

Patients with diarrhea (diarrhea), especially children, may experience hypovolemia and decreased electrolyte levels.

In such cases, replacement therapy to replace fluids and electrolytes is most important.

In case of acute diarrhea (diarrhea), if clinical improvement is not observed within 48 hours, the drug should be discontinued and the infectious genesis of diarrhea (diarrhea) should be excluded.

Do not use for diarrhea (diarrhea) accompanied by blood in the stool and high fever.

In patients with AIDS, treatment should be stopped immediately at the first sign of abdominal bloating.

In some cases, in AIDS patients with infectious colitis of both a viral and bacterial nature, toxic dilation of the colon may develop during treatment with the drug.

Patients with impaired liver function should be closely monitored for signs of toxicity.

The effect of the drug on the ability to drive a car and operate equipment.

During the treatment period, it is necessary to refrain from driving vehicles and engaging in potentially hazardous activities that require increased concentration and speed of psychomotor reactions.

A medicine to combat the symptoms of diarrhea is Imodium. Instructions for use indicate that capsules and lozenges 2 mg, chewable Plus soothe the digestive system and restore bowel function, reduce fluid loss and restore normal stool consistency.

Release form and composition

Imodium is available in the form of tablets and capsules for oral use. Tablets are sold in blisters of 10 pieces, 1-2 in a cardboard box, capsules in blisters of 6 pieces in a cardboard box with a detailed description attached.

The main active ingredient of the drug is loperamide hydrochloride - 2 mg in 1 tablet or capsule. The auxiliary components are: mannitol, gelatin, flavoring, sodium bicarbonate.

They also produce chewable tablets (Imodium plus).

Indications for use

What does Imodium help with? The tablets are indicated for use when symptomatic treatment of acute and chronic diarrhea is necessary. Recommended for use for traveler's diarrhea. In this case, the drug is used for two days.

But, whatever the indications for the use of Imodium, the use of this drug should be stopped if bloody discharge appears in the stool until the cause is determined.

Instructions for use

Imodium is prescribed orally.

For acute diarrhea, adults and elderly patients are prescribed an initial dose of 4 mg, subsequently 2 mg after each act of defecation in case of loose stools. Children over 6 years of age are prescribed an initial dose of 2 mg, then 2 mg after each bowel movement in case of loose stools.

For chronic diarrhea, adults and elderly patients are prescribed an initial dose of 4 mg per day. Next, the dose is adjusted so that the stool frequency is 1-2 times a day, which is usually achieved with a maintenance dose of 2-12 mg per day. Children over 6 years of age are prescribed an initial dose of 2 mg per day.

Next, the dose is adjusted so that the stool frequency is 1-2 times a day, which is usually achieved with a maintenance dose of 2-12 mg per day. The maximum daily dose for acute and chronic diarrhea in adults is 16 mg; in children - 6 mg per 20 kg of body weight - up to 16 mg. If normal stool appears or if there is no stool for more than 12 hours, the drug is discontinued.

The lozenge should be placed on the tongue. Within a few seconds it will dissolve on the surface of the tongue and can be swallowed with saliva, without washing it down with water.

Read also: how to take for diarrhea according to the instructions analogue -.

Imodium plus (chewable tablets)

The drug is prescribed to adults and children over 12 years of age in an initial dose of 2 tablets, then 1 tablet after each loose stool. The maximum daily dose is 4 tablets. Duration of treatment - no more than 2 days.

When using the drug in elderly patients, no dose adjustment is required. When using the drug in patients with impaired renal function, no dose reduction is required.

pharmachologic effect

Loperamide hydrochloride blocks opiate receptors in the intestinal wall, as a result of which the release of prostaglandin and acetylcholine is suppressed, which leads to a decrease in propulsive peristalsis. The transit time of intestinal contents increases, and the ability of the intestinal walls to absorb fluid increases.

The use of Imodium increases the tone of the rectum and anal sphincter, which allows better retention of feces and significantly reduces the frequency of the urge to defecate. Loperamide normalizes excess mucus in the intestines by reducing its secretion and helps reduce pain caused by spasms of intestinal smooth muscles.

The active substance is easily adsorbed in the intestines and is almost completely metabolized in the liver. Has a rapid therapeutic effect. Excreted in bile and feces. The half-life of the drug is 10-11 hours.

Contraindications

Diverticulosis.
Intestinal obstruction (including in cases where suppression of peristalsis is not recommended).
The first trimester of pregnancy and the period of breastfeeding (lactation).
Acute dysentery and other gastrointestinal tract infections (caused, including Shigella spp., Salmonella spp., Campylobacter spp.).
Pseudomembranous enterocolitis (antibiotic-associated diarrhea).
Hypersensitivity to the components of the drug.
Acute ulcerative colitis.
Age up to 6 years.

Should be used with caution in patients with liver failure. In the II-III trimesters of pregnancy, Imodium can be taken only in cases where the expected benefit to the health of the mother is higher than the potential risk to the fetus.

Side effects

The drug is generally well tolerated by patients, but in some cases the following side effects may develop:

From the central nervous system - fatigue, weakness, apathy, drowsiness, dizziness.
From the digestive canal - constipation, increased gas formation, abdominal pain, intestinal spasms, nausea, vomiting, excessive dry mouth, in rare cases, intestinal obstruction may develop.
In some cases, patients may develop tongue tingling and urinary retention.
Allergic reactions - rash, itching of the skin, hyperemia, swelling of the mucous membranes.

Children, pregnancy and breastfeeding

Imodium is contraindicated in the 1st trimester of pregnancy. Despite the absence of indications of teratogenic or embryotoxic effects, Imodium can be prescribed in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy only in cases where the expected benefit of therapy for the mother outweighs the potential risk to the fetus.

Loperamide is excreted in small quantities into breast milk, so if it is necessary to use the drug during lactation, breastfeeding should be discontinued.

Imodium capsules are contraindicated for children under 6 years of age. Children under 5 years of age are prescribed tablets only under strict medical supervision. Imodium should not be used for children simultaneously with drugs that have a depressant effect on the central nervous system.

special instructions

If 48 hours after the use of loperamide there is no positive dynamics, it is necessary to clarify the diagnosis and exclude the infectious genesis of diarrhea.

Drug interactions

Combination with P-glycoprotein blockers can lead to an increase in plasma loperamide levels by at least 2-3 times. It is not recommended to use drugs that depress the nervous system simultaneously with Imodium for children.

Drug analogues

Analogues of Imodium are determined by their structure:

Loperamide.
Superilop.
Diarol.
Enterobene.
Lopedium.
Diara.
Laremid.
Vero Loperamide.
Loperacap.

Vacation conditions and price

The average cost of Imodium (lyophilized tablets 2 mg No. 6) in Moscow is 210 rubles. Available without a prescription.

It must be stored at room temperature out of the reach of children. Shelf life – 5 years.

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The drug Imodium's indications for use are laconic: caused by intestinal motility disorders and external irritants of a non-bacterial nature. But despite the apparent ease of use, this medicine cannot be used thoughtlessly.

What do Imodium tablets actually help with?

Stomach upset and diarrhea can occur for a variety of reasons. Imodium will effectively cope with diarrhea of any origin, but this will not always benefit the patient. Let's find out why.

The main active ingredient in this drug is loperamide. It selectively acts on receptors of the intestinal mucosa, blocking some of them. As a result, motor functions weaken, the sphincter closes more tightly, the movement of feces slows down and mucus production stops. The effect has been achieved - the contents of the intestines no longer ask to be released. But diarrhea didn’t just start out of nowhere!

If the body is in a hurry to empty itself, it means it needs to get rid of some substances. The use of Imodium is justified in cases where diarrhea does not stop for a long time and the body continues to spew out water and waste products. In this case, diarrhea must be stopped urgently to avoid dehydration and other dangerous phenomena. Imodium will cope with this task better than any other product. If the situation is not so critical, it is better to choose an antidiarrheal drug from a number of enterosorbents or microbiotic drugs.

Imodium has the following indications for use:

allergic diarrhea;
diarrhea of a neuro-emotional nature;
diarrhea caused by certain medications and radiation therapy;
upset stomach due to changes in climate, diet, water;
ileostomy causing fecal incontinence.

How to use Imodium

For adults, the drug is indicated for use 2-3 times a day, 2 mg, that is, one capsule at a time. The maximum daily dose is 16 mg. In emergency cases, the first dose may include 4 mg of Imodium. Children are recommended to take 1-2 capsules per day, the maximum possible amount of the drug is 8 mg per day. Children under 6 years of age should only use Imodium under medical supervision. The dose should be selected strictly individually.

The drug begins to act within an hour after administration, the maximum effect is achieved after 2-3 hours. After 4 hours, Imodium is inhibited by the liver and kidneys and leaves the body in the urine. If you have used other antidiarrheals, the effect of the medicine may be completely unpredictable - prolonged or short-term. It is advisable to avoid such cases.

Contraindications to the use of Imodium

This medicine has quite a lot of contraindications. First of all, these include the following factors:

Also, the drug is not used in the treatment of children under 5 years of age and in the first trimester of pregnancy. Imodium can be used only by doctor's prescription for people with impaired kidney and liver function.

The drug Imodium-plus has no different indications for use and contraindications; the drug contains a component that reduces flatulence and relieves cramps. The only difference between Imodium and Imodium-plus is that the latter is somewhat easier to tolerate and eliminates the symptoms associated with diarrhea.

Quite often, people go to the doctor complaining of digestive disorders. And often experts recommend Imodium. Indications for the use of the drug include such a common problem as diarrhea. So what does the drug consist of, what properties does it have?

Composition and properties of the medicine

This drug is available in the form of hard gelatin capsules with white powder inside or chewable tablets. The main active component of the drug is loperamide hypochloride. This substance acts on some receptors in the cells of the intestinal wall. In particular, it modifies the activity of adrenergic and cholinergic neurons.

When is it advisable to use Imodium? Indications for its use are diarrhea. The fact is that under the influence of the drug, the tone of the wall of the rectum and anal sphincter increases, which reduces the frequency of the urge to defecate and helps to keep feces inside the intestines.

On the other hand, loperamide reduces intestinal motility and normalizes mucus secretion. Under the influence of the drug, pain and discomfort caused by spasm of smooth muscles decreases. In addition, the medicine normalizes the process of water absorption and electrolyte balance, which reduces the likelihood of developing dehydration.

"Imodium": indications for use

Naturally, first you need to see a doctor. If you really need such a medicine, then a specialist will prescribe Imodium for you. Indications for use: acute and chronic diarrhea of any origin. This drug is effective for diarrhea resulting from poor nutrition, infection, medication, emotional breakdown, radiation therapy, and metabolic disorders.

Patients with ileostomy also take the medicine, as it helps normalize the consistency of stool and reduce the number of bowel movements.

How to take Imodium correctly?

You should not use the medicine yourself. Only the doctor knows what Imodium is, indications for use, etc. Doses here are selected individually depending on the patient’s condition. However, most often adult patients take 1-2 capsules 1 to 6 times a day (but not more than eight per day). For adolescents and children, the single dose is lower - 1 tablet.

Contraindications and side effects

To begin with, it is worth noting that the medicine is not prescribed to patients with constipation, hypersensitivity to any component, or people with lactose intolerance. Contraindications are also considered acute ulcerative colitis, acute dysentery, bacterial enterocolitis, diseases accompanied by paralysis of the intestinal muscles. The drug is not prescribed to children under five years of age. During pregnancy, the medicine should be used very carefully.

As for side effects, sometimes the medication provokes the development of an allergic skin reaction. In some cases, headaches, insomnia, dizziness and fatigue occur. Occasionally, nausea and vomiting, pain in the lower abdomen, flatulence, dry mouth are recorded. If your health worsens, you should stop taking the capsules for a while and consult a doctor.