Imodium Capsules

What are Imodium Capsules and what are they used for?

Imodium is one of the UK's most well-known diarrhoea treatments containing the active ingredient loperamide (2mg). For nearly 40 years the original, easy-to-swallow capsules have provided fast and effective relief from short term diarrhoea and diarrhoea caused by irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) while gently helping the body restore its natural rhythm in just a single dose.

Imodium capsules are manufactured by McNeil Products and can be taken by adults and children over the age of 12 years for short-term diarrhoea and by adults over the age of 18 years for diarrhoea associated with IBS. Imodium should be taken for a maximum of 48 hours. If your symptoms continue after 48 hours you should seek advice from a doctor or pharmacist.

How do Imodium Capsules work?

Imodium products contain the active ingredient, loperamide, which slows the digestive system to its normal pace. This allows the body to absorb fluids and salts, as usual, restoring the consistency of stools. To avoid dehydration when experiencing diarrhoea you must drink plenty of fluids or take rehydration sachets such as Dioralyte to help balance essential fluid and electrolytes.

Alternatives to Imodium Capsules

At The Independent Pharmacy, Imodium Capsules are just one treatment option for diarrhoea. We sell a range of Imodium products including Imodium Melts and Imodium Plus Caplets. Some people may find that one product is more favourable to them than another, this may be down to personal preference.

Sources

• Imodium Capsules, Patient Information Leaflet: https://www.medicines.org.uk/e...

Imodium Capsules warnings

Reading the following warnings carefully will help to ensure you are selecting an appropriate product.

• Imodium capsules should be used only for symptomatic relief of diarrhoea and not as an alternative to rehydration therapy. Ensure you replace lost fluid by drinking extra water or rehydration fluid
• Keep out of sight and out of reach of children
• Imodium should not be given to children under 12 years

Imodium Capsules in pregnancy and breastfeeding

Speak to a doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking this medicine if you are pregnant. Do not take Imodium Capsules if you are breastfeeding.

Imodium Capsules whilst driving

This medication can make people feel tired, dizzy or faint. You should make sure you are aware of how you are affected by Imodium before driving or operating machinery.

Please read all packaging and the Product Information Leaflet before taking any new medicine and inform your doctor of medicines you are taking or intend to take.

Imodium Capsules dosage

Adults and children over 12 years (for short-term diarrhoea):

• Initially, swallow 2 capsules followed, if necessary, by 1 capsule after every loose bowel movement.
• Take up to a maximum of 6 capsules each day.
• Do not take for more than 48 hours.

Adults over 18 years (for diarrhoea caused by IBS):

• Initially, swallow 2 capsules followed, if necessary, by 1 capsule after every loose bowel movement.
• Take up to a maximum of 6 capsules each day.
• You can take this medicine for up to 2 weeks for repeated attacks, but do not take it for more than 48 hours for one attack.

Imodium Capsules ingredients

The active ingredients contained in this medicine is: Loperamide Hydrochloride 2mg per capsule.

The medicine also contains the following inactive ingredients: Lactose, Maize Starch, Talc and Magnesium Stearate (E572), Titanium Dioxide (E171), Black Ferrous Oxide (E172), Yellow Ferric Oxide (E172), Indigo Carmine (E132), Erythrosine (E127) and Gelatin.

Imodium Capsules side effects

Not everyone will experience side effects when they take medication, however, if you do they can include:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Constipation
• Nausea
• Flatulence
• Abdominal pain
• Dry mouth
• Vomiting
• Dyspepsia

If you are concerned about these effects, or if the product affects you in any other way, stop using it and talk to your doctor or pharmacist.