What is Imodium Original?
Imodium Original is an over-the-counter treatment that contains the active ingredient loperamide hydrochloride.
What is Imodium Original used for?
Imodium Original can be used to treat short-term diarrhoea.
It can also be used by adults aged 18 and over to treat acute episodes of diarrhoea associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), but only if your IBS has previously been diagnosed by a doctor.
Imodium Original treats the symptom of diarrhoea. It does not necessarily treat the underlying cause, so persistent or recurring diarrhoea may require further medical assessment.
How does Imodium Original work?
Loperamide hydrochloride, the active ingredient in Imodium Original, is an ‘antimotility’ medicine. Antimotility treatments slow down overactive bowels, which means food takes more time to pass through the digestive tract. This allows your body to draw in more water from your intestines, making your stools harder and bowel movements less frequent.
How long does Imodium Original take to work?
The treatment works quite quickly. You should notice an improvement in your diarrhoea symptoms around an hour after taking it.
How should I take Imodium Original?
Always take Imodium Original exactly as described in the Patient Information Leaflet or as advised by your GP or pharmacist.
For adults aged 18 and over with short-term diarrhoea:
- Take two capsules (4mg) to start treatment
- Then take one capsule (2mg) after each loose bowel movement
- Swallow the capsules whole with a drink of water
- Do not take more than six capsules (12mg) in any 24-hour period
- Stop taking Imodium Original once your symptoms settle
For adults aged 18 and over with doctor-diagnosed IBS diarrhoea, take two capsules initially, followed by one capsule after each loose bowel movement, unless your doctor has previously advised you differently.
Do not take more than six capsules in 24 hours.
Who can take Imodium Original?
Most adults with uncomplicated short-term diarrhoea can take Imodium Original, provided none of the contraindications or precautions below apply.
Adults with IBS should only use Imodium Original for IBS-related diarrhoea if their IBS has already been diagnosed by a doctor.
Who should not take Imodium Original?
Do not take Imodium Original if you:
- Are allergic to loperamide hydrochloride or any of the other ingredients in the capsules
- Have severe diarrhoea after taking antibiotics
- Are having a flare-up of an inflammatory bowel condition such as ulcerative colitis
- Are constipated or your abdomen is swollen or distended
- Have acute dysentery, which may cause blood in your stools together with a high temperature
- Have AIDS
Imodium Original should not be used where slowing down the bowel could make your condition worse. Speak to a pharmacist or GP if you are unsure whether this applies to you.
If you are using Imodium Original for diarrhoea associated with IBS, your IBS must have previously been diagnosed by a doctor and you must be aged 18 or over.
Speak to your GP before using Imodium Original for IBS-related diarrhoea if:
- You are aged 40 or over and it has been some time since your last IBS attack
- You are aged 40 or over and your symptoms are different from your usual IBS symptoms
- You have recently passed blood from your bowel
- You have severe constipation
- You feel sick or are vomiting
- You have lost your appetite or have lost weight
- You have difficulty or pain when passing urine
- You have a fever
- You have recently travelled abroad
There are also some medications loperamide can interact with. Consult your GP or a pharmacist before using Imodium Original if you’re taking:
- Ritonavir
- Quinidine
- Itraconazole or ketoconazole
- Gemfibrozil
- Desmopressin
- Other treatments for stomach or bowel problems
Who should speak to a pharmacist or GP before taking Imodium Original?
Speak to a pharmacist or GP before taking Imodium Original if you:
- Have liver disease
- Have had diarrhoea for more than 48 hours
- Have severe diarrhoea or signs of dehydration
- Have been told by a doctor that you have an intolerance to certain sugars
- Have a history of drug abuse
- Are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or are planning a pregnancy
Imodium Original contains lactose. If you have been told by a doctor that you have an intolerance to certain sugars, speak to your doctor before taking it.
Do not take more than the recommended dose. Abuse, misuse and taking excessive doses of loperamide have been associated with serious heart problems, including fast or irregular heart rhythms.
How long can I take Imodium Original for?
For short-term diarrhoea, do not take Imodium Original for longer than 48 hours without speaking to a doctor.
If your diarrhoea has not improved after 48 hours, stop taking Imodium Original and speak to your GP.
For repeated attacks of diarrhoea associated with doctor-diagnosed IBS, Imodium Original can be used for up to two weeks, but any individual episode that continues for longer than 48 hours should be assessed by a doctor.
What are the side effects of Imodium Original?
Many people will experience no or only very mild side effects when taking Imodium Original for a short period of time. Common side effects include:
- Constipation
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Headaches
- Flatulence
In rare cases, some people may experience more serious side effects. Stop taking Imodium Original 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 Original?
Imodium Original should be stored in a dry, cool environment that does not exceed 25°C.