Imodium

Product name: Imodium

Description:

The drug contains the drug loperamide hydrochloride and is used to treat diarrhea. The drug can be taken for sudden (acute) or, after consulting a doctor, for prolonged (chronic) diarrhea. In consultation with a doctor, it can also be taken if part of the intestine has been removed, which often causes diarrhea.

Method of use

Dosage and dosage schedules

Adults and children from 6 to 17 years:

Acute diarrhea: the initial dose is 2 capsules (4 mg) for adults and 1 capsule (2 mg) for children; thereafter, 1 capsule (2 mg) is administered after each subsequent loose stool.

Chronic diarrhea: the initial dose is 2 capsules (4 mg) per day for adults and 1 capsule (2 mg) per day for children; this dose is adjusted until 1-2 formed stools per day are achieved, which is usually accomplished with a maintenance dose of 1-6 capsules (2 mg - 12 mg) per day.

The maximum dose for acute and chronic diarrhoea is 8 capsules (16 mg) per day for adults; for children, the dose should be determined in relation to body weight (3 capsules/20 kg), but should not exceed 8 capsules per day.

Child's weight in kilograms (kg) - Maximum number of capsules of medicine given in 1 day

• from 14 kg - maximum 2 capsules
• from 20 kg - maximum 3 capsules
• from 27 kg - maximum 4 capsules
• from 34 kg - maximum 5 capsules
• from 40 kg - maximum 6 capsules
• from 47 kg - maximum 7 capsules
• from 54 kg - maximum 8 capsules

In acute diarrhea, the medicine will usually eliminate the symptoms within 48 hours. If the symptoms do not subside, the medicine should be stopped and a doctor should be consulted.

Method of use

The capsules are swallowed whole and washed down with plenty of liquid. Capsules must not be crushed or chewed.The effect of food on the rate and intensity of the effect is not reported.

Notice

Treatment of diarrhea with the drug is only symptomatic. Whenever an aetiology can be diagnosed, appropriate specific treatment should be initiated if necessary.
The drug is not recommended to be taken during pregnancy, nor during breastfeeding.
The drug is contraindicated in children under 6 years of age.
Caution is needed when taking the drug in patients with hepatic impairment.
The drug is contraindicated if there is blood in the stool or a high fever is present.
In case of constipation, abdominal distension or the development of ileus, treatment must be stopped immediately.
Decreased attention, fatigue, dizziness, or drowsiness may occur at the beginning of treatment. Increased caution is therefore advised when driving vehicles and operating machinery.
The drug contains lactose.
Further special warnings are given in the SPC (section 4.4).

Active ingredients

loperamidium chloride