Loperamide is marketed under the brand name Imodium, which is also stylized as Imodium A-D. Imodium, unlike Lomotil, is available over-the-counter (OTC). As a result, it’s more generally accessible.
How does Imodium work?
Imodium contains Loperamide HCl as an active ingredient. It works by decreasing peristaltic movements.
Imodium A-D Side Effects
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Constipation
- Flatulence
- Nausea
How long does Imodium take to work?
The onset of action of Imodium is one hour. Once you orally take the medicine, it takes almost an hour when the drug shows its effect.
How long does Imodium last?
It takes roughly 11 hours for the level of Imodium in your body to drop by half after you stop taking it. Imodium will have less and less of an effect on regulating your diarrhea after this period of time. The medicine will usually be eliminated from your body in 2 to 3 days.
Imodium A-D Uses
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Acute diarrhea
- Travelers diarrhea
- Gastroenteritis
Is it safe to take Imodium during pregnancy?
It may be safe to take Imodium as directed on occasion during pregnancy, but there is no evidence that it is safe. Imodium is classified as a category C medication. Prescription and over-the-counter drugs are classified by the FDA to reflect how safe or hazardous they are during pregnancy. A category c medication is in the middle and falls into the gray area. There may have been some risk of harm to a fetus in animal studies, but there are no controlled pregnancy trials to assess the safety of category C medications. The general rule with most category C medications is that the benefits should outweigh any potential hazards. Pregnant women, on the other hand, should not make this decision on their own. They should instead consult with their doctor, who will advise them on the best course of action.
Imodium A-D Interactions
- Cholestyramine
- Bethanechol
- Cisapride
- Metoclopramide
- Erythromycin
Imodium Dosage Forms
Imodium comes in the following formulations
- Caplets are capsule-shaped tablets that help with indigestion.
- Softgels are liquid-filled capsules that help with indigestion.
- Oral solution is a liquid that is used to treat indigestion.
- Imodium Multi-Symptom Relief caplets are capsule-shaped tablets that treat a variety of symptoms
References
Lomotil vs. Imodium: Differences, similarities, and which is better for you
