What are Imodium Instants?
Imodium Instants are over-the-counter treatments that contain the active ingredient loperamide hydrochloride. They’re orodispersible, which means they melt in your mouth as soon as you place one on your tongue. This makes them easier to take for people who find it difficult to swallow capsules or tablets.
What are Imodium Instants used for?
They’re used to relieve the symptoms of diarrhoea caused by short-term or chronic health conditions.
How do Imodium Instants work?
Loperamide hydrochloride, the active ingredient in Imodium Instants , belongs to a family of treatments known as ‘antimotility’ medicines.
Antimotility medicines slow down the activity in the bowel, which increases the amount of time food takes to pass through it. This allows the body to draw more water from the intestines, which makes stools firmer and bowel movements less frequent.
How long do Imodium Instants take to work?
They work fairly quickly. You should begin to notice an improvement in your diarrhoea symptoms around 60 minutes after taking one.
How should I take Imodium Instants?
Adults and children aged 12 and above should take two tablets immediately, and then one tablet after every loose stool. Do not take more than six tablets in a 24-hour period.
You should not take Imodium Instants for more than 48 hours without speaking to your GP.
Who can’t take Imodium Original?
Most adults and children aged 12 and above can take loperamide safely.
Consult your GP before taking loperamide if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Do not give loperamide to children under the age of 12 unless a doctor has prescribed it.
Loperamide may interact negatively with some medications. Consult your GP or pharmacist before taking Imodium Instants if you’re taking:
- Ritonavir
- Quinidine
- Itraconazole or ketoconazole
- Gemfibrozil
- Desmopressin
- Other treatments for stomach or bowel problems
What are the side effects of Imodium Instants?
While loperamide may cause side effects in some people, these are usually mild. They include:
- Constipation
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Headaches
- Flatulence
It is rare for loperamide to cause serious side effects when taken correctly. Stop taking Imodium Instants and seek immediate medical attention if you:
- Feel faint, less alert or have passed out
- Have lost balance or coordination
How should I store Imodium Instants?
Imodium Instants should be stored in a dry, cool environment that does not exceed 25°C.