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Introduction About IMODIUM CAPSULE

IMODIUM CAPSULE contains Loperamide which belongs to the group of medicines called Antidiarrheals. It is used to manage acute attacks of diarrhea (in adults and children over 12 years of age) and acute episodes of diarrhea associated with irritable bowel syndrome (group of symptoms that affects the digestive system such as abdominal cramps, gas, bloating and diarrhea) (in adults aged 18 years and over).

Before taking IMODIUM CAPSULE, inform your doctor if you have liver disease, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), low body fluids and salts (due to diarrhea), intolerance to certain sugars and if you have a history of intolerance to certain sugars such as lactose.

IMODIUM CAPSULE is not recommended for use in pregnant and breast-feeding women. It is not recommended for use in children (less than 12 years of age) and it should be used with with caution in children (above 12 years of age) for short-term diarrhea.

IMODIUM CAPSULE should be used with caution in elderly patients with severe diarrhea (due to increased risk of low body fluids and salts), consult your doctor before taking this medicine. The most common side effects of taking IMODIUM CAPSULE are headache, constipation, flatulence and nausea. Consult your doctor immediately if any of the side effects worsen.

Uses Of IMODIUM CAPSULE

To manage acute attacks of diarrhea (in adults and children over 12 years of age)
Manage acute episodes of diarrhea associated with irritable bowel syndrome (in adults aged 18 years and over)

How IMODIUM CAPSULE Works

IMODIUM CAPSULE acts by decreasing the muscle contraction and fluid secretion, resulting in longer stomach and intestinal transit time and increased absorption of fluids and electrolytes from the gastrointestinal tract. Thus, helps to manage diarrhoea by slowing down the overactive bowel.

How to use IMODIUM CAPSULE

Take IMODIUM CAPSULE as advised by your doctor. Swallow the medicine with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the medicine. Your doctor will decide the correct dose and duration for you depending upon your age, body weight and disease condition.

Side Effects Of IMODIUM CAPSULE

Common

constipation
nausea
flatulence
headache

Uncommon

dizziness, drowsiness
stomach pain or discomfort
dry mouth
vomiting
indigestion
rash

Rare

abnormal increase in muscle tension
smaller pupils
bloated tummy, tiredness
severe itching
skin rashes with the formation of wheals

Stop taking IMODIUM CAPSULE and contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following side effects:

bloated tummy which may be due to enlargement of the large intestine, which may cause constipation, bloating and tenderness of the stomach or fever (megacolon or toxic megacolon)
allergic reaction which causes swelling of the face, throat or tongue, difficulty in breathing or dizziness
severe skin, mouth, eyes and genital blisters (Steven-Johnson's Syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis)
fever, ill feeling, itching, joint pain, multiple skin lesions (erythema multiforme)
swelling of the deeper skin layers caused by a building up of fluid (angioedema)
decreased level of consciousness or loss of consciousness (passing out, feeling faint or less alert)
difficulties in co-ordinating movement
difficulties in passing urine
severe constipation, blockage of the bowl

How To Manage Side Effects

Constipation

Eat plenty of fiber rich foods such as fresh fruits, vegetables, and cereals and drink plenty of water. Exercise more regularly. If the symptom does not improve, consult your doctor.

Dry Mouth

Sip water regularly and other sugar free liquids. Do not use mouthwashes that contain alcohol because they can make your mouth dry, use mouthwash that is used only for dry mouth. Limit your caffeine intake. Avoid smoking or using tobacco products. Consult your doctor if the symptom does not improve.

Headache

Drink ample amount of water and avoid skipping meals. Get adequate rest. Try to be relaxed and stress free. Apply pain relieving balm on your forehead if necessary. Consult your doctor if the symptom does not improve.

Nausea And Vomiting

Stick to simple meals while taking this medicine. Avoid eating oily rich, fried or spicy foods. Do not lie down or sleep immediately after eating. Consult your doctor if the symptom does not improve.

Stomach Pain

Try to take rest and relax. Eat and drink slowly or try to have smaller and frequent meals. Keep a heat pad on your stomach. If the symptom does not improve, consult your doctor.

Warning & Precautions

Pregnancy

Contraindicated

IMODIUM CAPSULE is not recommended for use in pregnant women. Consult with your doctor before taking IMODIUM CAPSULE if you are pregnant or planning to have a baby.

Breastfeeding

Contraindicated

IMODIUM CAPSULE is not recommended for use in breast feeding women as small amount of this medicine may pass into the breast milk. Consult your doctor before taking IMODIUM CAPSULE.

Driving and Using Machines

Use with Caution

Do not drive or use machines while taking IMODIUM CAPSULE as it may cause dizziness, tiredness, drowsiness, reduced alertness, fainting or passing out. Consult your doctor before taking IMODIUM CAPSULE.

Liver

Use with Caution

IMODIUM CAPSULE should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Consult your doctor before taking IMODIUM CAPSULE.

Allergy

Contraindicated

Do not take IMODIUM CAPSULE if you are allergic to loperamide or any other ingredients of this medicine.

Use In Pediatrics

Consult your doctor

IMODIUM CAPSULE is not recommended for use in children (less than 12 years of age). It is used with caution in children (above 12 years of age) for short-term diarrhea. Consult child’s doctor for advice.

Use In Geriatrics

Use with Caution

IMODIUM CAPSULE should be used with caution in elderly patients with severe diarrhea (due to increased risk of low body fluids and salts). Consult your doctor before taking IMODIUM CAPSULE.

Others

IMODIUM CAPSULE is not recommended for use if you have:

flare-up of ulcerative colitis (inflammatory bowel disease) which leads to abdominal pain, bloody diarrhoea, fever and weight loss.
severe diarrhoea after taking antibiotics (accompanied with watery or bloody diarrhoea)
constipation, bowel blockage or stomach bloating
bacterial infection of the small intestine and colon (caused by bacteria such as salmonella, shigella and campylobacter)
inflammation of the colon after taking antibiotics (associated with watery or bloody diarrhoea)
acute (short-lived) dysentery, the symptoms include blood in your stools and high temperature

Before taking IMODIUM CAPSULE, inform your doctor if you have:

acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)
low body fluids and salts (due to diarrhea)
intolerance to certain sugars
history of drug abuse
loss of appetite or weight loss
difficulty or pain in passing urine
fever or recently passed blood from the bowel

Interactions

A. Drug-drug interactions:

Before taking IMODIUM CAPSULE, inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:

gemfibrozil (used to manage high cholesterol levels)
quinidine (used to manage abnormal heart rhythm)
ritonavir (used to manage HIV infection)
itraconazole, ketoconazole (used to manage fungal infections)
oral desmopressin (used in the management of diabetes insipidus)
other antidiarrheal preparations such as bismuth subsalicylate (used to manage diarrhea)

Over dosage:

If you or anyone else accidentally take too much of IMODIUM CAPSULE, consult your doctor immediately or visit the nearby hospital. Symptoms of overdose includes, increased heart rate, irregular heartbeat, muscle stiffness, uncoordinated movements, drowsiness, difficulty urinating or weak breathing.

Synopsis

Drug	:	Loperamide
Pharmacological Category	:	Antidiarrheals
Therapeutic Indication	:	Diarrhoea
Dosage Forms	:	Tablet, Capsule

More Information

Keep IMODIUM CAPSULE out of reach of children
Store IMODIUM CAPSULE at room temperature

FAQs About IMODIUM CAPSULE

Q: What is IMODIUM CAPSULE used for?

A: IMODIUM CAPSULE is used to manage acute attacks of diarrhea (in adults and children over 12 years of age) and acute episodes of diarrhea associated with irritable bowel syndrome (group of symptoms that affects the digestive system such as abdominal cramps, gas, bloating, diarrhea) (in adults aged 18 years and over).

Q: What are the common side effects of IMODIUM CAPSULE?

A: The most common side effects of taking IMODIUM CAPSULE are headache, constipation, flatulence and nausea. Consult your doctor immediately if any of the side effects worsen

Q: Can IMODIUM CAPSULE be used in breast-feeding women?

A: IMODIUM CAPSULE is not recommended for use in breast feeding women as small amount of this medicine may pass into the breast milk. Consult your doctor before taking IMODIUM CAPSULE.

Q: Can I drive or operate machines after taking IMODIUM CAPSULE?

A: Do not drive or use machines while taking IMODIUM CAPSULE as it may cause dizziness, tiredness, drowsiness, reduced alertness, fainting or passing out. Consult your doctor for advice before taking IMODIUM CAPSULE.

Q: Is IMODIUM CAPSULE safe to use in elderly patients?

A: IMODIUM CAPSULE should be used with caution in elderly patients with severe diarrhea (due to increased risk of low body fluids and salts). Consult your doctor before taking IMODIUM CAPSULE.

References

1. K.D. Tripathi. Loperamide. Drugs for constipation and diarrhoea. Essentials of medical pharmacology. Seventh edition. 2013. Page-664.

2. Baker DE. Loperamide: a pharmacological review. NIH National Library of Medicine; National centre for biotechnology information. Pubdmed.gov. 2007 [Accessed on 16th September 2022] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18192961/

3. Sahi N, Nguyen R, Santos C. Loperamide. NIH National Library of Medicine; National centre for biotechnology information. [Revised in May 2022] [Accessed on 16th September2022] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557885/

4. Tillomed Laboratories Ltd. Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). [Revised in January 2022] [Accessed on 16th September 2022] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.11853.pdf

5. Cipla (EU) Limited. Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). [Revised in August 2020] [Accessed 16th September 2022] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/10287/smpc#gref

Useful Diagnostic Tests

Stool culture
Complete blood count

Author Details

Written By Dr. R. Dinesh John Rajkumar - Pharm.D

Reviewed For Accuracy By Dr. Vrushabhakumar Jitendra Shah. - MBBS

Last updated on 23 Feb 2023 | 09:13 AM(IST)

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