Drug name: Imodium

Other names used:

• Gastro-Stop®
• Imotil®
• Loperid®

Active Ingredients:

• Loperamide HCl

Therapeutic effect of Imodium: Loperamide, the primary ingredient of Imodium, slows down the digestive process which gives the small intestine more time to absorb the nutrients and fluid from the digested food.

Indications:

• Imodium is used for treating diarrhea
• This medicine is also used to reduce waste (stool) after ileostomy

Precautions and Restrictions: Avoid using Imodium:

• If you are allergic to the ingredients of this drug
• If the waste (stool) contains blood or is black or tarry
• If you have antibiotic induced diarrhea

Inform your doctor if you are allergic to this medicine or if:

• You are suffering from fever
• You spot mucus in your stool
• You have previously had liver disorders
• You are using any antibiotic

FDA has placed Imodium in Pregnancy Category B and there are no reports stating that this drug is harmful, but it is always wise for pregnant women or those who are planning to have a child in the near future to consult a doctor before taking this medicine.

Loperamide does not pass into milk but it is better for lactating mothers to consult a doctor before using this medicine.

Do not give Imodium to children below the age of two.

Side effects of Imodium: Use of Imodium tablets may give rise to some side effects that are contrary to what is expected. It is not certain that these adverse reactions will affect every user of this drug.

Get immediate medical help if you have:

• Swelling of the tongue, lips, face or throat
• Hives
• Shortness of breath

Discontinue use of this medicine at once and consult a doctor if you have:

• Pain in the stomach or abdominal swelling
• Severe diarrhea
• Bloody or watery diarrhea
• Fever coupled with sore throat
• Reddening and peeling of skin
• Blisters
• Headache

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer.

• Lightheadedness
• Somnolence
• Constipation
• Mild pain in the stomach
• Mild itching and rashes

The above mentioned side effects are by no means exhaustive, so for the complete list of adverse reactions and possible side effects please see the information provided by the drug manufacturer or consult a doctor or a pharmacist.

Interactions: It's very important to consult a doctor before taking any medicine. And it is also equally important to apprise him of the treatment or medication you are currently using. Get a prescription from your doctor before starting any new drug to make sure that the combination of the two drugs is safe. Inform your doctor if you are going to use Imodium with saquinavir because you may require a dosage change or may have to discontinue taking this medicine.

Additional Information: Do not share Imodium tablets or capsules with any person without proper medical prescription. Do not take this medicine in any other type of health related complication. Keep the medicine and syringes away from children to avoid any problems.