How does Imodium help with diarrhea? Anyone who has ever experienced the condition of diarrhea knows how necessary it is sometimes to have anti-diarrhea pills on hand. After all, repeated loose stools are not only a very exhausting, dangerous condition that provokes the development of complications. The disease is also unpleasant from the point of view of quality of life and social communication.
Try, for example, spending two hours at a concert if you have to leave every fifteen minutes? Or drive a driving test without making any mistakes, thinking only about where to find the nearest toilet? It turns out that the price paid for Imodium is not only the cost of the drug, but also the price of a high-quality, comfortable life.
You can decide that Imodium becomes the drug of choice for any type of diarrhea - the instructions, however, say: not always. The drug is mainly used as a remedy for diarrhea that occurs as a manifestation of stress (“bear disease”), after the use of certain medications (for example, antibiotics), or exposure to radiation.
Permanent resident of the home medicine cabinet
Difficult to find home first aid kit, in which the niche of a cure for diarrhea would not be occupied by imodium. The price of the drug is low, and on average is 25 rubles per lozenge. And although comparing the cost of the drug with other anti-diarrhea tablets at first glance is not in favor of Imodium - analogues are cheaper in pharmacy kiosks.
However, the effectiveness of the drug is higher due to the fact that the dosage form of imodium is lozenges: the instructions for use indicate that the substance begins to be absorbed already at the resorption stage, thereby accelerating the antidiarrheal effect. If you rely on effectiveness, given that the active ingredient (loperamide) is the same, then Imodium will win: analogues are absorbed twice as slow and lose in speed, gaining a little in price.
Having become familiar with the factors that are important in choosing the drug Imodium: instructions for use, prices, reviews, analogues, doctor’s recommendations, patients often opt for this medicine.
Imodium: instructions for use (official)
How loperamide works
How does the drug work? The instructions for use accompanying Imodium describe the active substance (Loperamide) and the mechanism of the antidiarrheal action of the drug.
The main reasons that can trigger diarrhea. Imodium is an anti-diarrhea tablet that will help normalize the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.
In its chemical structure, imodium is the closest relative of opiates. However, due to the fact that the substance practically does not penetrate into brain cells, loperamide is devoid of the negative effects that are present in other opioid derivatives. In particular, the drug does not cause the development of dependence or addiction, when an increasing dosage of the drug is required to obtain the same result.
Loperamide acts on the opiate receptors of the muscles of the intestinal wall, reducing the longitudinal movements of the intestine. Thereby prolongs the time of movement of intestinal masses. Strengthens the tone of the rectal sphincter, helps retain feces, and reduces the frequency of the urge to defecate.
In addition, it reduces the release of liquid and salts into the intestinal lumen by cells of the intestinal wall, and, conversely, enhances the absorption of electrolytes and water from the intestine. This prevents the development of dehydration and electrolyte disturbances– serious complications of diarrhea. When consuming large doses of the drug, the production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach decreases.
The effect of the drug in the form of lozenges develops quickly, the duration of the effect lasts up to 4-6 hours. What are the indications and contraindications for taking Imodium?
Indications and contraindications
Imodium is approved for use by children from the age of six, and adult patients use the medicine to treat any type of diarrhea, sometimes without thinking about the question: Imodium - what does this remedy help with?
Indications for taking Imodium
In the instructions for the drug Imodium, the indications for use are clearly stated that the treatment of manifestations of acute or chronic course, resulting from:
- changes in the composition or mode of food intake;
- metabolic or absorption disorders;
- manifestations of allergies;
- emotional stress;
- taking certain medications;
- exposure various types ionizing radiation;
- for diarrhea caused by various infectious agents - only as an adjuvant;
- if the patient has had an ileostomy (to increase the density of stool consistency, as well as to reduce its frequency and quantity).
It happens that patients ignore studying the indications for the use of Imodium - reviews of the drug in such cases are negative. Using the medicine as the main one for diarrhea, which is caused by infectious causes, patients run the risk of increased intoxication.
The waste products of pathogenic bacteria begin to be quickly absorbed in the intestines along with water and salts, in accordance with the mechanism of action of imodium - which causes the temperature to rise and general weakness to increase.
The medicine cannot be blamed for such a development of the situation. The responsibility lies entirely with the patients, who act according to the principle: first I take Imodium and then read the instructions for use.
Contraindications to taking Imodium
Imodium lozenges are contraindicated for some patients - the instructions for use provide a list of such conditions:
- increased reaction to the components of the drug;
- obstruction of the small or large intestine;
- diverticular bowel disease;
- acute ulcerative inflammation of the large intestine;
- pseudomembranous colitis due to use antibacterial drugs wide range;
- other conditions when weakening of peristaltic contractions of the intestinal wall is contraindicated;
- infectious damage to the intestines, especially acute dysentery (with the presence of blood in the stool and an increase in body temperature), salmonellosis, shigellosis, etc.;
- children under six years of age.
What restrictions can be identified for the use of Imodium? In people with severe liver damage, the elimination of loperamide from the body is slowed down, which causes an accumulation of concentrations of the active substance and can lead to opiate-like damage to the central nervous system.
The use of imodium for children under 12 years of age is limited - only when the condition is monitored by the attending physician. Special attention attention should be paid to timely detection of opiate-type effects on the central nervous system. Closely monitor the replenishment of water and electrolytes.
There have been no statistically significant, strictly controlled studies of the safety of imodium during pregnancy, especially in early stages, and during breastfeeding. Women in these conditions should avoid using Imodium.
Rules for taking Imodium
Not everyone knows how to take the unusual dosage form of Imodium - lozenges: the instructions for use explain that the tablet should be dissolved with saliva on the tongue, and the already dissolved tablet should be swallowed with saliva. The drug does not need to be taken down.
The dosage depends on the indications. Acute diarrhea: 2 tablets initially and one tablet should be taken with each loose stool. In total, no more than 8 tablets per day. If the stool becomes irregular in consistency, stop taking the drug. Take 2 anti-diarrhea tablets per day when chronic form. Children under 12 years of age under medical supervision. The dosage is calculated based on the body weight and age of the child.
If patients do not comply with the indications for prescribing the drug, the dosage recommendations specified in the instructions for use attached to Imodium, the price of such treatment becomes higher. Side effects appear in the form of constipation, persistent increase in body temperature (in the treatment of infectious diarrhea), opiate-like effects on the central nervous system.
It should be remembered that not only imodium - analogues (with any name and dosage form) based on loperamide, only complement the treatment of diarrhea that occurs as a result of exposure to an infectious agent. The main treatment for diarrhea in these cases is drugs plant origin with high tannin content, sorbents and “normal” intestinal bacteria, competitively displacing pathological agents from the intestine.
Video: Program “Tablet” (theme of the issue - Diarrhea)
In the new project of Channel One in 2016, “Tablet,” presenter Stanislav Sadalsky will examine a disease such as diarrhea.
Imodium: instructions for use and reviews
Imodium is a symptomatic antidiarrheal drug.
Release form and composition
Imodium is available in the following dosage forms:
- Capsules: size No. 4, hard gelatin, with a dark gray body with a white inscription on it “JANSSEN” and a green cap with a white inscription on it “Imodium”; contents of capsules – white powder (6 or 20 pieces in blisters, 1 blister in a cardboard box);
- Lozenges: round, lyophilized, almost white or white(6 or 10 pieces in blisters, 1 or 2 blisters in a cardboard box).
Each pack also contains instructions for using Imodium.
1 capsule contains:
- Auxiliary components: lactose monohydrate, talc, corn starch, magnesium stearate.
Capsule shell composition: gelatin, titanium dioxide, yellow and black iron oxide, sodium indigotin disulfonate, sodium erythrosine.
1 tablet contains:
- Active substance: loperamide – 2 mg (in the form of hydrochloride);
- Auxiliary components: aspartame, mannitol, mint flavor, gelatin, sodium bicarbonate.
Pharmacological properties
Pharmacodynamics
The active substance of Imodium, loperamide, binds to opioid receptors in the intestinal wall, resulting in suppression of the release of prostaglandins and acetylcholine. This leads to a slowdown in peristalsis and an increase in the time it takes for contents to pass through the intestines. As a result of therapy, the tone of the anal sphincter increases, which reduces fecal incontinence and suppresses the urge to defecate.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption of most of loperamide occurs in the intestine. Systemic bioavailability is approximately 0.3%, which is associated with active first-pass metabolism.
According to information preclinical studies, loperamide is a P-glycoprotein substrate. Binding of the substance to blood plasma proteins (mainly albumin) is 95%.
The metabolism of loperamide occurs primarily in the liver, the substance is conjugated and excreted in the bile. The main route of metabolism of loperamide is oxidative N-demethylation, the process occurs with the participation of an inhibitor of the CYP3A4 and CYP2C8 isoenzymes.
The plasma concentration of unchanged substance in the blood is negligible, which is associated with active first-pass metabolism. The half-life averages 11 hours (range 9–14 hours). Excretion of the unchanged substance and its metabolites occurs mainly in the feces.
Pharmacokinetic studies have not been conducted in children. It is assumed that the pharmacokinetics of loperamide and its interactions with other drugs are similar to those in adults.
Indications for use
Imodium is prescribed for the treatment of acute and chronic diarrhea, as well as for the regulation of stool in patients with ileostomy.
Contraindications
Absolute contraindications:
- Lactase deficiency, lactose intolerance, glucose-galactose malabsorption (capsules);
- Phenylketonuria (tablets);
- I trimester of pregnancy and lactation period;
- Age up to 6 years;
- Individual intolerance to the components of the drug.
Imodium capsules and tablets are contraindicated for use as primary therapy in the presence of the following diseases/conditions:
- Ulcerative colitis in the acute stage;
- Acute dysentery, in which bloody stools and high fever develop;
- Pseudomembranous colitis associated with the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics;
- Bacterial enterocolitis caused by pathogens including Salmonella, Campylobacter and Shigella.
In cases where slowing of peristalsis due to a possible risk of developing serious complications (such as intestinal obstruction, megacolon and toxic megacolon) are undesirable, Imodium should not be used.
If bloating, constipation or intestinal obstruction occurs, the drug should be discontinued immediately.
Imodium, instructions for use: method and dosage
Imodium capsules and tablets are taken orally.
The initial dose for the treatment of acute diarrhea for adults and elderly patients is 4 mg, for children over 6 years old - 2 mg. In the future, when loose stools everyone age groups Patients should take the drug 2 mg after each bowel movement.
For chronic diarrhea, Imodium is prescribed in the same initial dose as for the treatment of acute diarrhea. Subsequently, the dose should be adjusted so that the frequency of stool is 1-2 times a day, which is usually achieved by taking a maintenance daily dose of 2-12 mg.
In the treatment of acute and chronic diarrhea, the maximum daily dose is:
- Adults – 16 mg;
- Children - 3 mg per 10 kg of body weight (no more than 16 mg).
When stool normalizes or if there is no stool for more than 12 hours, therapy should be discontinued.
Lozenges should be placed on the tongue. Within a few seconds, it dissolves on the surface of the tongue, and it can be swallowed with saliva without drinking water.
Side effects
During therapy, it is possible to develop disorders of some body systems:
- Central and peripheral nervous system: drowsiness, fatigue, dizziness;
- Digestive system: dry mouth, bloating and/or constipation, intestinal colic, discomfort or pain in the abdomen, vomiting, nausea; very rarely - intestinal obstruction;
- Allergic reactions: skin rash;
- Other: tingling or burning sensation of the tongue (appears immediately after taking the drug in the form of lozenges); rarely – urinary retention.
Overdose
Main symptoms (including against the background of relative overdose associated with disorders liver function): intestinal obstruction, urinary retention, signs of depression of the central nervous system, including incoordination, stupor, drowsiness, miosis, respiratory depression, muscle hypertonicity. Children to the effect of loperamide on the central nervous system may be more sensitive than adults.
Therapy: Naloxone can be used as an antidote (in some cases, repeated use is required due to differences in the half-life). Patients should be monitored for at least 48 hours.
special instructions
If constipation or bloating occurs, Imodium should be discontinued immediately.
With diarrhea, especially in children, hypovolemia and a decrease in electrolyte levels may develop. In these cases, it is important to carry out replacement therapy to replenish electrolytes and fluids.
Since treatment of diarrhea with Imodium is only symptomatic, etiotropic drugs should be used simultaneously with taking the drug, if possible.
At acute diarrhea If no clinical improvement is observed within 48 hours, therapy should be stopped and the diagnosis clarified, excluding the infectious origin of diarrhea.
You should not take Imodium if you have diarrhea accompanied by blood in the stool and high fever.
In patients with AIDS, when the first signs of abdominal bloating appear, therapy should be stopped immediately. In some cases, in patients with AIDS with infectious colitis of a bacterial and viral nature, toxic dilatation of the colon may develop during therapy.
Patients with functional disorders the liver needs to be closely monitored for timely detection of symptoms of toxic damage.
Please note that lozenges are quite fragile, so to avoid damage, they must be removed from the package with care.
Impact on the ability to drive vehicles and complex mechanisms
Use during pregnancy and lactation
- I trimester of pregnancy and lactation: therapy is contraindicated;
- II–III trimesters of pregnancy: Imodium can be used only in cases where the expected benefit is assessed above the possible harm.
There is no evidence that loperamide has a teratogenic or embryotoxic effect.
Use in childhood
The drug is not prescribed to patients under 6 years of age.
For liver dysfunction
Imodium should be used with caution in liver failure due to slow first-pass metabolism.
Drug interactions
There are no data on the interaction of Imodium with other drugs.
Analogs
Analogs of Imodium are: Imodium Lingual, Vero-Loperamide, Diara, Loperamide, Loperamide-Akrikhin, Loperamide Grindeks, Loperamide Hydrochloride, Loperamide Health, Lopedium, Stoperan.
Terms and conditions of storage
Store in a dry place, out of reach of children, at a temperature of 15-30 °C.
Shelf life – 5 years.
Diarrhea in children can develop due to various reasons. However, regardless of what pathological processes provoked diarrhea in a small patient, the danger is not only the disease itself, but also its symptom. Diarrhea can lead to dehydration, which is especially dangerous for a child.
For diarrhea - acute or chronic - your pediatrician may recommend taking the medication Imodium. What does it contain? At what age is it given and how to use it correctly? What are the indications for using the medicine and are there any contraindications to its use? What can replace the medication? Let's figure it out together.
Properties, composition and release forms of the drug Imodium
Imodium is an antidiarrheal drug. The main active ingredient, which is included in all pharmacological forms The medication is loperamide hydrochloride. The substance has a depressant effect on intestinal motility, allowing you to stop diarrhea.
Imodium is available in 2 forms - both are intended for oral administration. These are capsules and lozenges with a mint flavor. The product is effective due to its rapid absorption in the gastrointestinal tract, while systemic action remains insignificant. Excreted in feces and bile.
Usage medicine contributes to the fact that mucus secretion in the intestines is inhibited and its quantity is normalized. The tone of the rectum and anal sphincter increases, which helps retain feces, the urge to defecate occurs less frequently, and the time it takes for contents to pass through the gastrointestinal tract increases.
Treatment with this drug does not eliminate the need for diagnostic measures in order to establish the causes that provoked the appearance of the symptom.
Before use, be sure to read the instructions and consult with your pediatrician about the pediatric dosage of the drug.
Indications for use
Imodium is indicated for diarrhea (acute, chronic, traveler's diarrhea). Imodium for children under 6 years of age can be prescribed exclusively in tablet form. Tablets can be given to children under 6 years of age only as prescribed by the attending physician if there are indications for use. Capsules are approved for use after 4 years.
Instructions for use for children of different ages
Taking the drug in any form is allowed only as prescribed by the doctor who prescribed it. accurate diagnosis. Only a qualified specialist can determine which medicine will help in a specific case and calculate the appropriate dosage, which is especially important when treating children. Before using the medicine, you must read the instructions.
Lozenges
Children take this drug orally. It is intended for symptomatic treatment, but not to eliminate the disease. One tablet is placed on the tongue. Saliva dissolves the medicine in a few seconds, and the child easily swallows it. There is no need to take the tablet with water or other liquid.
The chronic form of diarrhea requires a careful approach to dosage selection. At the very beginning of treatment, 1-2 tablets per day are prescribed, then the doctor adjusts the volume of the medicine depending on its effectiveness (the number of bowel movements should not exceed 2 times a day). The maintenance dose for a child is up to 6 pieces per day.
The tablets must be used strictly according to the instructions, observing the dosage If acute diarrhea is diagnosed, the patient is given 1 tablet, the medication is repeated after each bowel movement until the stool thickens. If there is no stool for 12 hours or more, Imodium should also be stopped. The maximum daily dosage of medication for a child is determined by his weight - no more than 3 tablets per 20 kg of body weight and no more than 8 tablets per day.
Capsules
The drug in capsule form is used to eliminate diarrhea in both chronic and acute forms. The initial dosage is 1 capsule per day. The maximum daily dose for children over 4-8 years of age is 1 mg 3-4 times a day, from 9 to 12 years of age – 2 mg up to 4 times a day. Maintenance therapy requires one or two doses during the day until the patient’s condition normalizes.
Contraindications
Before offering the medicine to a baby, it is necessary to exclude the presence of contraindications to the use of Imodium. In case of liver dysfunction, the medication is used with extreme caution. The main contraindication to taking the medicine is considered to be individual intolerance to the substances included in its composition.
In view of possible contraindications, the drug is used only as prescribed by a doctor - constipation - the remedy can aggravate the patient’s condition, as it reduces the already reduced tone of the rectum;
- enterocolitis of bacterial etiology;
- ulcerative colitis in acute form;
- lactose intolerance;
- pathological processes accompanied by intestinal dysfunction (paralytic ileus, etc.);
- pseudomembranous colitis that developed as a result of antibiotic therapy;
- in acute form.
If there is blood in the stool, treatment with Imodium is also contraindicated. If a small patient has a rise in body temperature, this may indicate the development pathological process, included in the presented list of contraindications, therefore the use of the drug in such cases is not recommended.
Possible adverse reactions
Taking this medicine may cause side effects. The most common of these is constipation. This is due to the peculiarities of the drug’s effect on intestinal motility. The likelihood of developing this adverse reaction depends on individual characteristics the patient's body.
In rare cases, taking Imodium provokes allergic reactions, up to Quincke's edema. Sometimes patients show signs of drowsiness and a depressed state of consciousness is noted.
Some patients complain of indigestion, nausea and vomiting, headaches, tremors, fainting and urinary retention (we recommend reading:). Symptoms are observed much more often in children than in adults. Recommended symptomatic treatment, reception activated carbon, gastric lavage. Naloxone can be taken as an antidote.
The action of Imodium is aimed at eliminating symptoms, but it does not directly affect the cause of the pathological process. If the drug is ineffective (the symptom does not disappear 48 hours after the start of therapy), then its use is discontinued.
Cost and analogues
If a young patient develops diarrhea, the doctor may recommend not only Imodium, but also similar drugs based on loperamide or products containing other active ingredients. Imodium is a fairly expensive drug that is strictly prohibited for use in children under 1 year of age, so in some cases the choice is based not only on the effectiveness, but also on the cost of the drug.
| Name of medicine | Active ingredient | Release form | Age restrictions | Average cost, rub. |
| Imodium | Loperamide hydrochloride | Tablets, capsules | From 6 and 4 years old respectively. | 170 |
| Loperamide (we recommend reading:) | Loperamide hydrochloride | Tablets, capsules | From 4 years old. | 15-20 |
| Lopedium | Loperamide hydrochloride | Capsules | From 6 years old. | 28-30 |
| Enterol (we recommend reading:) | Saccharomyces boulardii | Powder, capsules | From 1 year. | 200-600 |
| Smecta | Dioectadric smectite | Powder for oral suspension | No restrictions, including those under 1 year old. | 150-170 |
| Bifiform baby (more details in the article:) | Bifidobacterium strains | Oil solution | The children's drug is given from birth. | 380-510 |
| Baktisubtil | Gram-positive bacteria powder | Capsules | 3 years. | 920 |
| Linex | Viable lyophilized lactic acid bacteria | Capsules | From the first days of life, including newborns. | 300-340 |
The medicinal drug Imodium is a powerful tool in the fight against diarrhea, both chronic and acute nature. This drug is also successfully used as a component complex therapy infectious pathologies accompanied by intestinal disorders. The drug helps slow down peristalsis and increase the tone of the anal sphincter. Imodium is available in pharmacies without a prescription, but it is strongly recommended that you consult with a specialist before starting use. The product can also be used for preventive purposes.
Dosage form
The most common form of release of the drug Imodium is round lyophilized lozenges of almost white or completely white color. Primary packaging consists of aluminum blisters of six or ten units. Secondary packaging is cardboard packs containing one (6 and 10 tablets) or two (10 tablets) blisters. There are also less popular versions of the drug in the form chewable tablets, capsules or oral solution.
Description and composition
The main active element medicinal product Imodium is a hydrochloride. The active substance content per tablet is two milligrams.
The composition of the medication includes the following auxiliary elements:
- aspartame;
- gelatin;
- mint flavor;
- mannitol;
- sodium bicarbonate.
Pharmacological group
The drug Imodium belongs to the group of antidiarrheal medications. Hydrochloride, which is active substance drug, significantly slows down intestinal peristalsis, which occurs by blocking the release of prostaglandins and acetylcholine. This effect is achieved through the directed influence of the active component directly on the opioid receptors of the intestinal walls. Taking therapeutic doses of the drug helps strengthen the smooth muscles of the rectum and increases the tone of the anal sphincter, which significantly reduces the frequency of the urge to defecate and improves the duration of fecal retention. In turn, decreased peristalsis leads to a slower passage of intestinal contents.
Another effect of hydrochloride is the suppression of mucus secretion in the intestinal lumen. Also, taking the drug improves absorption in the gastrointestinal tract and reduces painful sensations with intestinal spasms of smooth muscles.
The active element of the drug Imodium is easily absorbed from gastrointestinal tract, as a result of which it quickly manifests itself therapeutic effect. Binding to plasma proteins (albumin) is 95–97%. Metabolism occurs primarily in the liver. The half-life is from 9 to 14 hours. Excreted in feces and bile.
Indications for use
Imodium is used to treat acute or chronic manifestations diarrhea of various origins. Hydrochloride provides quick and effective relief from symptoms of intestinal upset, relieves pain and helps restore electrolyte balance in case of dehydration.
for adults
The main indications for medicinal and prophylactic use of the drug Imodium are the following:
- symptomatic treatment of chronic or acute diarrhea;
- intestinal disorders due to infectious pathologies;
- regulation of stool after an ileostomy procedure;
- irritable bowel syndrome;
- ulcerative colitis (as a component of complex treatment).
Most often, Imodium is prescribed to patients suffering from diarrhea caused by the following factors:
- disturbances of normal metabolism;
- radiation therapy;
- constant stress;
- broken power supply;
- consumption of stale food;
- allergic reactions.
for children
Therapeutic or prophylactic use The drug Imodium is approved exclusively for children over six years of age. The list of indications for use is the same as for adult patients. Children aged six to eighteen years should take this medication only under the supervision of a physician.
Research data on the subject negative influence There is no active element of the drug Imodium on fetal development. However, taking the product is strictly prohibited. During the second and third trimesters, the use of a medication is justified only if the expected benefit for the woman significantly exceeds all possible risks for fetal health. In this case, strict supervision by a specialist is necessary.
Due to the possibility of hydrochloride passing into breast milk, it is not recommended to use Imodium during lactation. However, in cases where the use of a medication is absolutely necessary, the drug can only be used if the child is completely and immediately stopped breastfeeding.
Contraindications
The most common prohibitions on the therapeutic or prophylactic use of Imodium are conditions such as:
- children under 6 years of age;
- individual intolerance or hypersensitivity to elements of the drug;
- acute form of dysentery (if present) elevated temperature and bloody stools);
- enterocolitis of bacterial origin;
- breastfeeding period;
- exacerbation of ulcerative colitis;
- lactose intolerance;
- pseudomembranous colitis, which manifested itself while taking antibacterial medications;
- paralytic ileus.
Imodium is not recommended for use during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy without constant medical supervision. If characteristic bloating appears, as well as difficulty in defecation, the drug should be stopped immediately.
Patients suffering from various liver dysfunctions should be careful when using this drug.
Applications and dosages
Imodium should be taken immediately after each bowel movement if the stool has been liquid form. To do this, you need to put the tablet on your tongue, wait a few seconds and swallow it along with saliva. It is not recommended to drink the product with water. After the patient’s condition has normalized or there has been no bowel movement for twelve hours, the medication should be discontinued.
for adults
During therapy acute form for diarrhea, the initial dose should be four milligrams (2 tablets), after which it is recommended to take two milligrams (1 tablet) after each unformed stool.
For the treatment of chronic diarrhea, the dosage is selected by the doctor individually based on the nature of the pathology and the presence of concomitant disorders. However, the first dose of Imodium should also be 2 tablets.
The maximum amount of the drug per day should not exceed 12 mg (6 tablets).
for children
For children over 6 years of age, the initial and subsequent dosages of Imodium should not exceed 2 mg (one tablet) after each loose bowel movement. Maximum daily norm consumption should be 3 tablets of the product for every 20 kg of the child’s weight. However, taking more than six tablets per day is strictly prohibited.
for pregnant women and during lactation
In the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, an individual calculation of the dosage of the medication is necessary. In the first trimester and during breastfeeding the use of Imodium is contraindicated. The contraindication is due to the ability of the substances included in the product to penetrate into mother's breast milk.
Side effects
Among the most common side effects Against the background of the use of Imodium, the following are distinguished:
- dry mouth;
- headache and dizziness;
- nausea;
- urinary retention;
- seizures;
- sleep disturbance and anxiety;
- burning or tingling sensation on the tongue;
- difficulty breathing;
- pain and discomfort in the abdominal area;
- flatulence.
When a bright clinical picture After taking Imodium, seek help from a specialized institution.
Interaction with other drugs
With the simultaneous use of cholestyramine and Imodium, the effectiveness is inhibited. Ritonavir and co-trimoxazole increase the bioavailability of the drug. In case of Imodium intoxication, the use of naloxone is recommended.
special instructions
If the therapeutic effect does not occur after 48 hours of continuous use, it is necessary to clarify the diagnosis. During treatment, it is imperative to replenish fluid and electrolyte losses.
During the therapy period, you should be careful when driving a car, playing extreme sports and working with dangerous mechanisms.
Overdose
When intoxicated with Imodium, the following symptoms are observed:
- stupor;
- violation of spatial orientation;
- constriction of the pupil;
- dizziness;
- hypertension of muscle fibers;
- drowsiness;
- difficulty breathing;
To eliminate the consequences of Imodium poisoning, it is necessary to carry out symptomatic therapy. However, before this, it is recommended to take a large amount of sorbent and rinse the stomach.
Analogs
You can replace Imodium with the following medications:
- is complete analogue Imodium. This is a drug from Sandoz, which costs less than the original drug, but the generic is of good quality. Available in tablets and capsules that can be prescribed to patients over 6 years of age. It should not be taken during lactation.
- Diara is available in chewable tablets and capsules, which contain as an active ingredient. The drug should not be prescribed to children under 6 years of age, in the first 13 weeks of pregnancy, or during the entire period of breastfeeding.
- Imodium Plus is available in the form of chewable tablets. Its active ingredients are and. The drug is recommended as an antidiarrheal agent for patients over 12 years of age when indigestion is accompanied by bloating.
- contains as active component diosmectite. The drug is produced in powder, from which a suspension is prepared for oral administration. The medicine comes in vanilla, orange, and caramel flavors. The medicine is available to all groups of patients.
Storage conditions
Imodium should be stored out of the reach of children at room temperature and in relatively dry air.
Shelf life – 5 years.
Price
The cost of Imodium is on average 371 rubles. Prices range from 164 to 870 rubles.
Loperamide hydrochloride (loperamide)
Composition and release form of the drug
◊ Capsules hard gelatin, 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.
Excipients: lactose monohydrate, corn starch, talc, magnesium stearate.
Composition of the capsule shell: titanium dioxide, iron oxide yellow, sodium indigotin disulfonate, gelatin, iron oxide black, sodium erythrosine.
6 pcs. - blisters (1) - cardboard packs.
20 pcs. - blisters (1) - cardboard packs.
pharmachologic effect
Antidiarrheal agent. Reduces the tone and motility of intestinal smooth muscles, apparently due to binding to opioid receptors in the intestinal wall. Inhibits the release of acetylcholine and prostaglandins, reducing peristalsis and increasing the transit time of contents through the intestines.
Increases the tone of the anal sphincter. The action occurs quickly and lasts 4-6 hours.
Pharmacokinetics
After oral administration, the absorption of loperamide is about 40%, and undergoes intensive metabolism during the “first pass” through the liver. A small amount of unchanged loperamide enters the systemic circulation. Does not penetrate the BBB.
Metabolized in the liver.
T1/2 is 9-14 hours. It is excreted through bile with feces in the form of conjugated metabolites, a small part is excreted in the urine.
Indications
Symptomatic treatment of acute and chronic diseases of various origins (including allergic, emotional, medicinal, radiation; with changes in diet and quality of food, with metabolic and absorption disorders; as an adjuvant for diarrhea of infectious origin). Regulation of bowel movements in patients with ileostomy.
