Imodium - complete instructions. Imodium: instructions for use and what it is needed for, price, reviews, analogues Imodium instructions for use tablets for adults description

Country of origin

Product group

Antidiarrheal symptomatic drug

Release forms

• 10 pieces. - blisters (2) - cardboard packs. 4 - blisters (1) - cardboard packs. 6 - blisters (2) - cardboard packs. 6 - blisters (1) - cardboard packs. 6 - blisters (1) - cardboard packs. 10 - blisters (1) - cardboard packs. 10 - blisters (2) - cardboard packs. 6 - blisters (1) - cardboard packs. 20 - blisters (1) - cardboard packs. lyophilized tablets - 6 pcs per pack. lyophilized tablets of 2 mg (0.002) - 10 pcs per pack. pack 10 tablets pack 6 tablets

Description of the dosage form

• White or almost white round lyophilized tablets Hard gelatin capsules, size No. 4, with a green cap with white inscription "Imodium" and a dark gray body with white inscription "JANSSEN"; The contents of the capsules are white powder. Lozenges Lozenges Lozenges white or almost white, round, lyophilized Lozenges white or almost white, round, lyophilized. Lozenges Chewable tablets are white, round, flat, with “IMO” engraved on one side, with the scent of vanilla and mint.

pharmachologic effect

Pharmacokinetics

Special conditions

Compound

• (per tablet): Active substance: loperamide hydrochloride 2 mg. Excipients: gelatin 5.863 mg, mannitol 4.397 mg, aspartame 0.750 mg, mint flavor 0.300 mg, sodium bicarbonate 0.375 mg. Loperamide h/x - 2 mg; Aux. ingredients: gelatin 5.863, mannitol 4.397, aspartame 0.750, mint flavor 0.300, sodium bicarbonate 0.375. loperamide hydrochloride 2 mg Excipients: gelatin, mannitol, aspartame, mint flavor, sodium bicarbonate. Loperamide hydrochloride 2 mg Excipients: gelatin, mannitol, aspartame, mint flavor, sodium bicarbonate. Loperamide hydrochloride 2 mg Simethicone 125 mg Excipients: sucrose, microcrystalline cellulose, polymethacrylate, cellulose acetate, sorbitol, dextrates (hydrated), vanilla-mint flavor (natural-synthetic), sodium saccharinate, stearic acid, calcium phosphate. per tablet): Active substance: loperamide hydrochloride 2 mg. Excipients: gelatin 5.863 mg, mannitol 4.397 mg, aspartame 0.750 mg, mint flavor 0.300 mg, sodium bicarbonate 0.375 mg.

Imodium indications for use

• Symptomatic treatment of acute and chronic diarrhea (origin: allergic, emotional, drug, radiation; with changes in diet and quality of food, with metabolic and absorption disorders). As an auxiliary drug for diarrhea of ​​infectious origin. Regulation of bowel movements in patients with ileostomy.

Imodium contraindications

• - acute dysentery and other gastrointestinal infections (caused, including Salmonella spp., Shigella spp., Campylobacter spp.); - intestinal obstruction (including, if necessary, avoiding suppression of peristalsis); - diverticulosis; - acute ulcerative colitis; - pseudomembranous enterocolitis (diarrhea caused by taking antibiotics); - I trimester of pregnancy; - lactation period (breastfeeding); - children under 6 years of age; - hypersensitivity to loperamide and/or other components of the drug. The drug should be prescribed with caution in case of liver failure.

Imodium dosage

Imodium side effects

• Adverse reactions are adverse events for which a causal relationship with the use of loperamide should be considered proven based on a comprehensive assessment of the available information about the adverse event. In some cases, it is quite difficult to reliably establish a cause-and-effect relationship between taking loperamide and the occurrence of these symptoms. In addition, because clinical studies are conducted in different settings, the incidence of adverse reactions in clinical trials of one drug may not be directly comparable with the incidence of adverse reactions in clinical trials of another drug and may not be representative of the incidence of adverse reactions in clinical practice. According to clinical studies, adverse reactions observed in >1% of patients taking Imodium® for acute diarrhea: headache, constipation, flatulence, nausea, vomiting. Adverse reactions observed in 1% of patients taking Imodium® for chronic diarrhea: dizziness, flatulence, constipation, nausea. Adverse reactions observed in 10%), common (>1%, but 0.1%, but 0.01%, but

Drug interactions

Overdose

Storage conditions

• keep away from children

In the life of each of us there is such an unpleasant and annoying, and in some cases very dangerous, condition as diarrhea. The modern human body is weakened by stress, poor environment, unhealthy diet, and uncontrolled use of medications. So the gastrointestinal tract reacts to these irritants accordingly - with nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.

To be able to quickly stop such undesirable conditions, it is important to have effective antidiarrheal agents in your home and car medicine cabinets.

The drug Imodium, the generic version of which is the domestic Loperamide, is very popular among the population of our country due to its affordable cost, high efficiency, availability in pharmacies and convenient release form. But before taking medicine for diarrhea, it is important to read the detailed instructions.

Instructions for use of the drug Imodium from the manufacturer contain detailed information on pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics. The drug, the key component of which is loperamide hydrochloride, has a powerful antidiarrheal effect. The active substance is a synthetic selective inhibitor that acts on opioid receptors, suppressing the release of acetylcholine and prostaglandin. At the same time, the physiological intestinal microflora remains unchanged. The following is observed quickly after taking the medicine:

• Decreased mucus secretion;
• increased tone of the walls of the rectum and sphincter;
• decreased peristalsis;
• reduction in the urge to defecate.

The rapid action of Imodium in capsules (many patients prefer to take lyophilized tablets) prevents such a dangerous condition as dehydration, which can quickly develop with frequent loose stools and vomiting. Patients who took Imodium for diarrhea also noted a decrease in pain caused by intestinal distress

The drug is actively absorbed by the intestinal walls. The breakdown of the active substance is carried out by the liver. Excretion of conjugated metabolites occurs in feces and urine.

Interaction

Imodium in capsules and lozenges should not be taken simultaneously with medications containing P-glycoprotein blockers or medications that have a depressant effect on the nervous system.

Attention! In order not to cause a serious blow to the liver and not to aggravate the condition of poisoning, it is strictly forbidden to combine Imodium and alcohol!

Composition and release form

The drug Imodium is available in capsules and lyophilized tablets with absolutely identical effects. Imodium lyophilized tablets and capsules contain: loperamide hydrochloride 2 mg, additional components (more details in the manufacturer's instructions)

The drug is supplied to the pharmacy chain in blisters packed in cardboard packs.

Indications

• Diarrhea in acute and chronic form.
• Ileostomy.
• Traveler's diarrhea.

Important! If bloody inclusions are detected in the stool, the drug should be stopped!

Contraindications

The list of contraindications for taking Imodium, indicated in the manufacturer's instructions, is quite extensive. First of all, it is important to immediately stop using the antidiarrheal medication if you are hypersensitive to any component of the composition. Among the contraindications, it is also worth noting the following pathological conditions:

• Acute dysentery.
• Acute ulcerative colitis.
• Intestinal obstruction.
• I trimester of pregnancy.
• Age up to 6 years.
• Constipation, etc.

Side effects

When taking Imodium anti-diarrhea tablets, patients may experience constipation, abdominal cramps, nausea, headache, drowsiness, flatulence, allergic reactions on the skin, etc. In rare cases, Quincke's edema and anaphylactic reactions develop.

Mode of application

The drug is available in pharmacies without a prescription, but before taking Imodium, it is advisable to consult a specialist and read reviews on thematic resources. At the beginning of the course of treatment, adults are prescribed 2 drops. (maximum - 8 per day), children and adolescents - 1 drop. (maximum – 3 per day per 20 kg of weight, no more than 8). Next, the dose is selected depending on the frequency of bowel movements. Taking the next dose of medication is indicated after each loose stool.

Imodium Plus instructions for use indicate that the tablet should be placed on the tongue, wait until the drug dissolves and swallow without drinking water.

The indication for completing the course of treatment for diarrhea using Imodium is the absence of loose stools for half a day.

What to do in case of overdose?

If the dosage of the drug Imodium is violated, patients may experience the following side effects:

• Pronounced symptoms of depression.
• Urinary retention.
• Signs of acute intestinal obstruction.
• Respiratory dysfunction.

Naloxone is often used as an antidote to loperamide hydrochloride (provided that no more than 3 hours have passed since taking Imodium). In case of mild overdose, symptomatic treatment at home is allowed. When identifying side effects of poisoning in children, it is important to immediately perform gastric lavage and force the child to take an effective enterosorbent.

If the dose is repeatedly exceeded and subsequent conditions occur, it is important to seek medical help as soon as possible. If breathing is impaired, artificial ventilation may be required. In a hospital setting, patients with an overdose of Imodium are observed for at least 2 days.

Special instructions for use

We have found out why and how to take Imodium; now we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the special instructions for using this antidiarrheal drug:

• The use of the drug in childhood should be done under the strict supervision of a physician. He also determines the correct dose of the medicine and gives recommendations for taking it.
• The use of Imodium in the treatment of diarrhea during lactation is unacceptable, since the active substance can pass into mother's milk and harm the baby.
• It is extremely important to stop taking the drug if bloating is detected in patients with AIDS.
• Lozenges are quite fragile; you should remove them from the blister as carefully as possible.
• During the treatment period, you should refrain from drinking alcohol and driving.

Terms of sale and storage

The drug Imodium can be purchased at the pharmacy without a doctor's prescription, but in order to avoid negative consequences, you should consult with a specialist before starting to take capsules or tablets. In addition, only a doctor can recommend the most effective method of use.

It is recommended to store the medicine at room temperature, avoiding exposure of the packaging to direct sunlight, out of the reach of children. It is unacceptable to take Imodium after the expiration date (5 years from the date of manufacture)!

Every person who has ever suffered from diarrhea knows how important it is to have tablets on hand that can quickly eliminate this very unpleasant phenomenon. After all Diarrhea is not only debilitating, but also a very dangerous condition that can lead to dehydration. Imodium for diarrhea is more expensive than similar drugs, but it can relieve all symptoms in a short time. And this is important, because diarrhea disrupts the usual way of life and interferes with social communication. For example, it is difficult to sit quietly at a performance or learn to drive a car if you have to go to the toilet every 10-15 minutes. It turns out that the cost of the drug is the price of a calm and measured life.

General characteristics of the drug

Most often, the home medicine cabinet contains Imodium lozenges for diarrhea, although this drug is also available in the form of gelatin capsules, solution and classic tablets.

The active component of this medication is loperamide. And although other medications of this drug group contain the same active substance, Imodium lozenges for diarrhea begin to act faster, even at the stage of being in the oral cavity.

Loperamide binds to special receptors on the intestinal walls, thereby reducing the tone and peristalsis of the smooth muscles of the organ. Due to the slowdown of peristalsis, the time period for the passage of intestinal contents increases. The active substance helps to increase sphincter tone, as a result of which feces are retained and the urge to defecate occurs infrequently. The drug begins to act almost immediately after ingestion, and the therapeutic effect lasts up to 6 hours.

The tablets have a pleasant mint taste, so even children can easily take them.

Indications for use

Imodium for diarrhea is not prescribed by a doctor in all cases. Indications are loose stools, which are caused by the following factors:

• allergic;
• psychological;
• medicinal;
• radial.

In addition, Imodium is also taken for diarrhea, which is caused by a sharp change in diet, deterioration of intestinal motility and absorption, as well as to stabilize stool in people with an ileostomy.

Imodium for poisoning and infectious diseases of the digestive organs can only be prescribed in complex therapy. This drug alone will not give any effect in such cases..

You should not take antidiarrheals immediately if you have poisoning or rotavirus. In this case, the removal of toxins slows down and recovery is delayed.

Contraindications

The drug has certain contraindications that cannot be ignored, these include:

• special sensitivity to individual ingredients that are included in the medication;
• volvulus;
• ulcerative colitis in the acute stage;
• diverticulosis;
• pseudomembranous enterocolitis;
• dysentery, salmonellosis, botulism and other infectious diseases;
• first 3 months of pregnancy;
• Breastfeeding period.

In addition, children from 2 years of age can take Imodium only in the form of a solution, and children from 5 years of age are allowed lozenges.

Use for infectious diseases

Although the instructions for use state that the drug is not effective for infectious diseases of the digestive tract, doctors sometimes prescribe Imodium for the treatment of such pathologies.

For dysentery, salmonellosis or rotavirus, this medication is most often prescribed not from the first day of the disease, but during the recovery process. As part of complex therapy, imodium promotes:

• restoration of normal motor skills;
• increasing the time stool remains in the intestines, thereby improving the absorption of nutrients;
• reducing the tone of the anus, due to which the urge to lower down occurs less frequently.

If there is a suspicion of an infectious intestinal disease, you should not start taking an antidiarrheal drug from the first day of illness. There will be no effect; on the contrary, toxic substances will remain in the body, slowing down recovery.

Dosage of the drug

The instructions for use describe in great detail the method of administration and dosage depending on the age and severity of the condition. In this case, the capsules are swallowed whole, ordinary tablets are placed on the tongue, they completely disintegrate in a few minutes, the solution is dripped into a small volume of water, and the lozenges are slowly dissolved in the oral cavity.

For severe diarrhea, adults are prescribed 4 mg of the drug, then drink 2 mg after each loose stool.. We must not forget that the maximum permissible daily dose should not be more than 16 mg.

If the medication is prescribed in solution, then the starting dose for an adult is 60 drops. After this, drink 30 drops after each loose bowel movement. The permissible daily dosage should not exceed 180 drops.

If diarrhea is chronic, then adults are recommended to drink 4 mg of imodium per day.

For loose stools in children over 5 years of age, the medicine is prescribed in a starting dose of 2 mg, after which the same volume of the drug is given after each bowel movement. The daily volume should not exceed 8 mg.

If the medicine is prescribed in drops, then the child is first given 30 drops, after which the same amount of solution is given 3 more times a day. The daily dose should not be more than 120 drops in 4 doses.

For chronic diarrhea, children over 5 years old are prescribed 30 drops per day.. Children from 2 to 5 years old are prescribed 5 ml of solution for every 10 kg of weight, which is 1 measuring container. Usually this dose is given up to 3 times a day. If the urge to go down does not occur within 12 hours or the stool has become formed, the drug is discontinued.

In exceptional cases, imodium drops can also be prescribed to children under 2 years of age. In this case, the dosage is calculated individually by the attending physician.

Side effects

Imodium has quite a few possible side effects, these include the following conditions:

• Allergic skin rashes, atypical drowsiness, persistent dizziness and electrolyte imbalance in the body.
• A feeling of dryness in the mouth, intestinal colic, a feeling of discomfort in the abdomen, nausea, vomiting, constipation and bloating.
• Sometimes there may be prolonged urinary retention, and even more rarely, intestinal obstruction.

When you dissolve mint tablets, you may experience a burning sensation and itching of the tongue.. Side effects do not occur in all patients who take Imodium, but only in a small percentage. But if any health problems occur, the drug should be immediately discontinued and a doctor should be consulted to adjust the treatment.

Overdose and its treatment

An overdose of a drug is possible in only a few cases:

1. If a person self-medicates and does not know how much medicine to take.
2. If a child finds abandoned pills and mistakes them for candy.
3. If a person tries to get rid of diarrhea faster and deliberately overestimates the prescribed dose.

If too much medication has been taken, intoxication of the entire body occurs, which is manifested by the following symptoms:

• coordination of movements is impaired, the person falls into a stupor;
• there is abnormal drowsiness and muscle weakness;
• blood pressure increases;
• respiratory depression occurs.

In case of severe drug poisoning, intestinal obstruction is possible.

Treatment of overdose comes down to gastric lavage, taking adsorbents and administering an antidote.. The antidote to imodium is naloxone, which is administered at the first sign of an overdose. It should be borne in mind that the therapeutic effect of naloxone is shorter than that of imodium, so it is recommended to re-administer it after some time.

The patient after an overdose requires constant monitoring, as late complications may develop.

If a child is poisoned by an antidiarrheal drug, immediately call an ambulance or take the child to the hospital on their own. Children have weak immunity and internal organs are not fully formed, so the consequences of a medication overdose can be unpredictable.

Features of application

To ensure that treatment with Imodium is as effective as possible, you should adhere to certain recommendations:

1. If after two days of taking an antidiarrheal drug there is no improvement, you need to consult a doctor to clarify the diagnosis. A series of tests may be necessary to determine whether an infection is causing the diarrhea.
2. It is not advisable for small children under the age of 5 to be prescribed medicine in capsules. In this case, it is better to prescribe a solution or lozenges.
3. If side effects such as constipation or severe bloating occur, treatment with the drug should be stopped.
4. In those patients who suffer from chronic liver diseases, the functions of the central nervous system must be constantly monitored.
5. When treating diarrhea, it is very important to organize plenty of drinking to replenish lost fluid. In addition, it is recommended to take rehydron solution or rice water to replenish electrolytes in the body.
6. When treating with imodium, you should be careful when working with precision machinery or driving a car. During this period, concentration and overall reaction may be slightly reduced..

All medications in the home medicine cabinet are regularly reviewed and medications with expired expiration dates are thrown away.

Features of the use of medicine for diarrhea in children

Although all adults know that they can start giving any medications to children only with the permission of a doctor, many parents self-medicate. This is strictly forbidden, as there may be a significant deterioration in health. When treating children with imodium, the following rules must be observed:

• When calculating the dosage for a child, be sure to pay the pediatrician’s attention to the exact weight and age of the little patient.
• If the drug is prescribed in drops, then carefully measure the required dose, and then dilute it in a teaspoon of water and only then give it to the child.
• For young children, if they refuse to take the medicine, you can dilute the drops in a spoon of juice or tea.
• Lozenges can be given to children who have already reached 5 years of age.

It must be remembered that all medicines should be stored out of the reach of small children. Imodium tablets have a pleasant taste and smell, so they should not be left in a visible place to avoid poisoning. Kids may well mistake them for candy.

Interaction with other drugs

The effectiveness of Imodium may be reduced if a person is also taking cholestyramine.. When an antidiarrheal agent is taken with trimoxazole or ritonavir, the bioavailability of imodium is increased. This occurs due to inhibition of its metabolism during the initial passage through liver cells.

If diarrhea manifests itself at the most inopportune moment, do not be upset. Imodium can quickly stop this unpleasant phenomenon and restore the joy of life to a person. But you need to remember that this drug is effective only if the diarrhea is not caused by infections. Otherwise, it can only be prescribed in complex treatment, together with other drugs. It is advisable to start taking Imodium only after examination by a doctor and passing all the necessary tests.

It’s unlikely that anyone doesn’t know what Imodium helps with, because these capsules are in every second person’s medicine cabinet. In case of an unexpected attack of diarrhea, having tablets in your purse is invaluable.

Despite the fact that the cost of this drug is much higher than its analogues, the speed of action of the active substance is also highly responsive.

Release form, composition and packaging

Imodium comes on the shelves in the form of tablets that must be dissolved, as well as gelatin-coated capsules.

In any of the indicated options, one unit contains 2 mg of the main substance - loperamide hydrochloride.

In addition, there are additional components - mint flavor, gelatin and aspartate.

Tablets are packaged in packs of 10 or 20 pieces.

In addition to the active substance, the Imodium capsule contains:

• talc;
• corn starch);
• lactose particles;
• magnesium stearate;
• talc.

Capsules are formed into plates of 10 pieces; the box may contain a couple of blisters.

pharmachologic effect

1. Imodium is an antidiarrheal drug, the main substance of which acts as an inhibitor of opioid receptors. Laboratory tests revealed an active effect on the tissues of the intestinal walls. Prostaglandins and acetylcholine in the gastrointestinal tract are blocked due to the functioning of various groups of neurons.
2. Taking Imodium provokes an increase in the tone of the sphincter and rectum. The need to have a bowel movement becomes less frequent due to decreased intestinal motility. Feces travel through the gastrointestinal tract for a longer period of time. Reducing mucus in the intestinal lumen is achieved by reducing its secretion. Moreover, the liquid is absorbed faster, reducing the risk of dehydration. With diarrhea, electrolyte imbalance is common, which can be treated with Imodium.
3. The main component of the drug fights pain well, which can occur due to spasms in the muscles of the intestinal walls.
4. The effect of Imodium is achieved in a short time, since the absorption of the drug is very high. Digestion occurs in the liver and is excreted from the body in feces or bile.

Indications for use

Imodium is prescribed for various situations when stool adjustment is required.

It is considered appropriate to carry out drug therapy if the following is diagnosed:

• acute or chronic diarrhea;
• traveler's diarrhea (treatment lasts at least 2 days);
• food poisoning;
• rotavirus infection;

Moreover, it is considered advisable to use Imodium if the patient complains of frequent heartburn, nausea or severe vomiting.

Contraindications for use

Imodium, like any other drug, has a number of contraindications that cannot be ignored.

Below is a list of the most important ones:

• volvulus;
• personal intolerance to the components of the drug;
• colitis of ulcerative type at the stage of relapse;
• diverticulosis;
• infectious diseases (for example, botulism, dysentery, etc.);
• the period of breastfeeding and the initial trimester of pregnancy;
• pseudomembranous enterocolitis.

Also, children under 2 years of age cannot use Imodium in forms other than solution. From 5 years of age, it is permissible to prescribe capsules for resorption.

Instructions for use

Each case of the disease is considered individually; self-medication is prohibited.

An acute attack of diarrhea is observed more carefully; if the patient does not respond to treatment after 2 days, it is recommended to stop using Imodium and select another medication. If normal stool is observed or if there is no stool for more than 12 hours, it is also recommended to discontinue Imodium.

Application for children

Despite the prohibitions of specialists that it is forbidden to give various drugs to children, women often begin self-treatment for diarrhea in children. Such behavior is prohibited and can threaten a sharp deterioration in general condition.

For this reason, when therapy using Imodium, it is recommended to adhere to certain rules:

• The dosage is calculated based on the weight and height of the baby; the pediatrician is obliged to indicate the exact parameters so as not to make mistakes when prescribing the medicine.
• Provided that Imodium is prescribed in drops, the amount of the drug is always diluted with a small spoon of warm water. Only after this is the medicine given to the child.
• The younger group of patients often refuses to take pills. Imodium can be diluted in juice or weak tea. But the amount of additional drink does not exceed the volume of a regular spoon.
• Imodium, which is produced in drops for resorption, is prescribed to children who have already crossed the threshold of 5 years.

The home first aid kit should be kept in a place where the child has no access. Moreover, the medicine has a pleasant mint smell and a slightly sweet taste. Therefore, children mistake Imodium for candy and can become poisoned by the drug.

Use during pregnancy and breastfeeding

Imodium should not be used during the first stage of pregnancy.

The reason is that at this moment the child’s internal organs are being formed and any medicinal effect can make negative adjustments.

At a later stage of pregnancy, treatment with Imodium is considered justified if the benefits of the drug are higher than the risk to the health of the baby.

Due to the high degree of absorption of the drug, it is not worth taking Imodium during lactation. If the product passes into breast milk, it is considered dangerous.

Side effects

Despite a number of positive qualities, Imodium is capable of provoking the formation of an undesirable reaction during therapy.

Patients may experience:

• rash on the skin, similar to hives;
• persistent drowsiness and dizziness due to a malfunction in the electrolyte balance;
• nausea, vomiting;
• problems with bowel movements, lack of stool, bloating;
• intestinal colic, discomfort in the abdominal cavity and lower abdomen;
• dryness of the oral mucosa;
• in some cases, problems with urination or intestinal obstruction are noted.

After dissolving mint tablets, some patients felt burning and itching under the tongue, as well as on its surface.

It is worth noting that a severe adverse reaction occurs only in a small percentage of patients. Others tolerate Imodium quite well. If there are pathological symptoms during treatment, then stop taking the medication and consult a doctor.

Overdose

Intoxication when taking Imodium can occur in some situations:

• self-medication with the drug and choosing the wrong dosage, frequent use of capsules;
• absorption of pills by a child who, due to the unusual taste, mistook the medicine for candy;
• deliberately overestimating the dose to get rid of an attack of diarrhea more quickly.

If there is an excess amount of Imodium in the body, the patient experiences toxic damage.

It is manifested by the occurrence of the following symptoms:

• problems with coordination;
• muscle ailments, drowsiness;
• blood pressure surges;
• depression of the respiratory system.

If a patient is diagnosed with severe drug poisoning, intestinal obstruction may occur.

In order to stop an overdose of Imodium, you will need to rinse the stomach cavity, use an antidote and take sorbents. Often, the patient is administered Naloxone, which helps to improve the condition already when the initial stage of an overdose is detected.

Interaction with other drugs

There are no special instructions on this matter from doctors, since Imodium is distinguished by its safety. However, with the simultaneous use of an antidiarrheal agent and cholestyramine, the effectiveness of the former may be significantly reduced.

The bioavailability of Imodium is affected by its parallel administration with Trimaxazole and Ritonavir. This phenomenon was noticed due to the pronounced inhibition of the metabolism of the anti-diarrhea drug during the initial passage of liver tissue.

Otherwise, no complications or adverse reactions were identified during combination treatment or other therapy.

Alcohol compatibility

Imodium should not be combined with alcohol-containing drinks, as it causes depression of the central nervous system and brain cells. Also, there is an increased load on the liver, which is detrimental to its functioning. Patients' general condition worsens and drowsiness appears.

Use for liver and kidney dysfunctions

Patients with severe liver failure must be under constant medical supervision. This measure is required due to possible toxic damage to the central nervous system. When pathological processes are identified, auxiliary therapy is carried out.

Use in elderly patients

Therapy for people in the older age group does not differ from the general guidelines. The dosage is calculated strictly according to the instructions. In the absence of individual intolerance and concomitant diagnoses, treatment with Imodium occurs without adverse reactions.

Application for weight loss

Namely, Imodium is not used as a drug that will help you lose weight. An anti-diarrhea remedy cannot save you from obesity, because it has other tasks. But it acts as an auxiliary tool quite often.

When getting rid of extra pounds, many women have problems with bowel movements, and diarrhea can become a constant companion.

To adjust the frequency of the urge to go to the toilet and avoid diarrhea due to the specific nature of limited nutrition, Imodium is used. Usually a standard dosage is enough to forget about the problem in the future.

Use for prevention

To maintain good health and to avoid recurrence of diarrhea, doctors advise taking Imodium even after the attacks have stopped.

The dosage of the drug is adjusted taking into account bowel movements twice in 24 hours.

Typically, the daily dose of Imodium for an adult does not exceed 6 capsules.

The maximum permissible increase in the number of pills is a couple of units.

special instructions

To achieve maximum effect, it is advised to adhere to a number of rules when carrying out Imodium therapy:

1. The maximum waiting period for improvement is 2 days. If after the expiration of the period there is no relief of symptoms, then it is suggested to consult a doctor for diagnostics with subsequent diagnosis.
2. Children under 5 years of age are considered a limitation for the use of Imodium capsules. In this case, it is recommended to use the medicine in the form of a solution or lozenges.
3. If the patient experiences bloating or constipation, therapy should be stopped.
4. Diarrhea is accompanied by significant loss of fluid from the body, this means that the patient needs to drink plenty of fluids. Due to a failure to replenish the electrolyte balance, experts advise using rice water or rehydron.
5. People who will drive a car in the future, or perform work that requires increased concentration, must take into account the fact that the overall reaction will be reduced.

Conditions for dispensing from pharmacies

To purchase Imodium, you do not need a prescription; the pharmacist sells the medicine without requiring a prescription from a specialist.

Storage conditions and shelf life

Imodium is in the first aid kit, which should not be in the public domain of children. The storage temperature ranges from 14 to 29 degrees.

The shelf life of the drug allowed by the manufacturer is 5 years., if the conditions for its storage were not grossly violated.

After the expiration date, Imodium should not be used, as this can have serious consequences.

Prices

Imodium capsules or tablets can be found in any pharmacy chain. The cost of a package with 6 capsules will cost 160 rubles. This price applies to the drug, which is sold in Moscow and other cities of central Russia.

The release form in the form of lozenges will cost 10-20 rubles more expensive. Since the performance of this option is slightly higher.

Analogs

There are 2 types of medications that can replace Imodium in the treatment of diarrhea. Some will be completely identical, while others will differ in composition, but are similar in their influence.

A list of popular analogues is given below:

1. Levomycetin. Considering that this is an antibiotic with a wide spectrum of influence, the greatest effect is achieved with diarrhea that occurs after infection by microorganisms. Price less 50 rubles.
2. Smecta. Despite the fact that the medicine is used for diarrhea, the therapeutic effect for this problem is weak. Since Smecta has a greater effect on the organs of the digestive tract. The cost of the product is approx. 30 rubles per bag.
3. Stopdiar. They are used for almost all types of diarrhea and are not inferior to Imodium in effectiveness. Capsules are taken every 6 hours to quickly stop the frequent urge to urinate. The amount for the drug reaches 300 rubles.
4. Phthalazol. Helps with infectious diarrhea; to improve the condition, therapy is required, which lasts at least 3 days. Budget product, packaging will cost 15 rubles.
5. Diara. Chewable capsules that quickly provide relief to the patient and retain their effect for about 5 hours. An adult only needs 2 tablets per dose to feel improvement. Price approx. 95 rubles.

Synonyms for Imodium, that is, medications that have one active ingredient, are:

1. Loperamide. One of the cheapest products that has been used by specialists for a long time. The cost of packaging will not exceed 12 rubles.
2. Lopedium. A more expensive option, although cheaper than Imodium. For a box of medicine they will charge about 50 rubles.
3. Loperamide hydrochloride. Also refers to varieties of Imodium, but with a weaker effect on the body. Price per package approx. 24 rubles.

All options from the group of Imodium synonyms are domestic, which is why they have such a low cost.

Every mother experiences diarrhea in her child. The cause of this problem can be stale food, an allergy to some product, a viral infection, strong emotions, a change in diet, a long trip and many other factors.

For children, frequent loose stools are much more dangerous than for their mothers and fathers, because it provokes dehydration, which develops very quickly in childhood.

Therefore, when diarrhea occurs, first of all, special solutions are used to restore the waste of minerals and fluids. These are called rehydration solutions.

However, in some cases it is necessary to resort to antidiarrheal medications. One of the very popular representatives of the group of such products is Imodium. Is it possible to give it to a child when this medication is contraindicated and what can replace it with if necessary?

Release form

The medication is presented in tablets that dissolve in the mouth. They are round in shape and almost white in color. One blister contains 6 or 10 such tablets, and one cardboard box can contain 6, 10 or 20 tablets.

Compound

The main ingredient of Imodium, thanks to which the medicine has a therapeutic effect on diarrhea, is represented by loperamide. This substance in each tablet contains a dose of 2 mg and is supplemented with aspartame, sodium bicarbonate, mannitol, as well as gelatin and mint flavor. These excipients provide the medication with a sweet minty taste, dense shape and rapid dissolution in the oral cavity.

Operating principle

Loperamide has the ability to bind to opiate receptors located in the intestinal walls. This binding prevents the release of prostaglandins and acetylcholines, which affects peristalsis. As a result of this action, the evacuation function of the digestive tract is inhibited, and the time of passage of food masses through the intestines will be lengthened. In addition, the medication affects the anal sphincter, increasing its tone. This leads to blocking the urge to go to the toilet and reducing fecal incontinence.

Indications

The main reason for taking Imodium is diarrhea. The drug is prescribed for both acute conditions and chronic diarrhea, the provoking factors of which are irritable bowel syndrome, stress, rotavirus, diet disorders, intolerance to a particular product, allergies, gastroenteritis, and so on.

At what age is it allowed to take it?

Imodium should not be given to children under 6 years of age, and doctors prescribe this medicine to children aged 6-12 years with caution. Buying tablets for your daughter or son on your own and treating diarrhea with them without consulting a pediatrician can be dangerous for the health of the little patient.

Contraindications

The drug is not prescribed:

• If a child is found to be intolerant to loperamide or any other ingredient of the medication.
• If the doctor has diagnosed dysentery, salmonellosis or another intestinal infection.
• If there is a suspicion of intestinal obstruction or such a dangerous pathology has already been identified in the child.
• If a young patient has developed acute ulcerative colitis or has diverticulosis.
• If the cause of diarrhea is the use of antibiotics.

In no case should you give medication to children who, in addition to diarrhea, have an increased body temperature or who have blood in their stool. In addition, the prescription of Imodium to children with impaired liver function requires special attention from a doctor.

Side effects

Taking Imodium may cause:

• Constipation.
• Intestinal colic.
• Skin rashes.
• Bloating.
• Discomfortable sensations in the abdomen.
• Nausea.
• Increased fatigue.
• Abdominal pain.
• Vomiting.
• Dry mouth.
• Tingling or burning sensation in the tongue.
• Dizziness.
• Drowsiness.

In rare cases, the medication causes intestinal obstruction or urinary retention. If at least one of these symptoms appears, use of Imodium should be stopped immediately. It is recommended to stop taking the drug even if there is no therapeutic effect within two days.

Instructions for use and dosage

• You must remove the tablet from the package very carefully, since the drug is fragile. It is not recommended to squeeze it through the foil.
• Imodium is taken orally by asking the child to place the tablet on the tongue. In just a few seconds, the medicine dissolves and the patient easily swallows it with saliva. There is no need to take the medication.
• For acute diarrhea, a child over 6 years old is given 1 tablet, and then repeated after each bowel movement if the stool is still loose. As soon as the consistency of the stool thickens, stop using the medicine. The medication should also be discontinued if there is no bowel movement for 12 hours or longer.
• For chronic diarrhea, treatment begins with one tablet per day. Next, the doctor adjusts the dosage individually, focusing on the frequency of stool (there should be 1-2 bowel movements per day). The maintenance dose of the drug can be from one to six tablets.
• The maximum dosage of medication per day for children is calculated based on the patient’s body weight. For every 20 kilograms of weight, it is permissible to give a maximum of 3 tablets of Imodium, but the dose should not exceed 8 tablets per day, which corresponds to 16 mg of loperamide per day.
• It is important to remember that Imodium is only a symptomatic medicine, so you should find out the cause of loose stools and influence it. In addition, the drug must be supplemented with rehydration solutions, because in childhood, diarrhea causes a dangerous loss of fluid and electrolytes.

Overdose

An excessive dose of Imodium has a depressing effect on the child’s nervous system, which will manifest itself as stupor, drowsiness, impaired coordination of movements, increased muscle tone and even respiratory depression. In addition, due to an overdose of the drug, intestinal obstruction may occur.

For treatment, the child's stomach is washed, a sorbent is given (if less than 3 hours have passed) and naloxone (it is an antidote). If the central nervous system is depressed, the small patient is carefully monitored for at least 2 days, and if breathing problems occur, the child is given artificial ventilation.

Interaction with other drugs

The drug summary does not mention any interactions with other medications.

Terms of sale

You can buy Imodium at a pharmacy without a prescription. The average price of a package of 6 tablets is 240 rubles, a pack of 10 tablets is approximately 350 rubles, and the largest package of 20 tablets is about 570 rubles.

Storage

The shelf life of Imodium is 5 years. If it is not clearly marked on the package or the indicated date has passed, the medicine should not be given to children under any circumstances.