Imodium A-D
Generic name:loperamide [ loe-PER-a-mide ]
Drug class:Antidiarrheals
What is Imodium A-D?
Imodium A-D (loperamide) slows the rhythm of digestion so that the small intestines have more time to absorb fluid and nutrients from the foods you eat.
Imodium A-D is used to treat diarrhea.
Imodium A-D is also used to reduce the amount of stool in people who have an ileostomy (re-routing of the bowel through a surgical opening in the stomach).
Warnings
You should not use Imodium A-D if you have ulcerative colitis, bloody or tarry stools, diarrhea with a high fever, or diarrhea caused by antibiotic medication.
Do not take more than the recommended dose of this medicine. Misuse of loperamide can cause serious heart problems that could be fatal.
Serious heart problems may also happen if you take Imodium A-D with other medicines. Ask a doctor or pharmacist about safely using medications together.
Loperamide may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.
Imodium A-D should not be given to a child younger than 2 years old. Loperamide can cause serious breathing problems and heart problems in a child.
Drink plenty of liquids while you are taking this medicine. It may take up to 48 hours of taking Imodium A-D before your symptoms improve. Keep using the medication as directed and tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 10 days of treatment.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Imodium A-D if you are allergic to loperamide, or if you have:
stomach pain without diarrhea;
diarrhea with a high fever;
ulcerative colitis;
diarrhea that is caused by a bacterial infection; or
stools that are bloody, black, or tarry.
Do not give Imodium A-D to a child younger than 2 years old. Do not give this medicine to an older child or teenager without a doctor's advice.
Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to use this medicine if you have:
a fever;
mucus in your stools;
liver disease; or
a heart rhythm disorder.
Ask your doctor before using Imodium A-D to treat diarrhea caused by Clostridium difficile.
Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
You should not breast-feed while you are using loperamide.
