What are these tablets from, Imodium? Use during pregnancy and lactation

Imodium is a medicine designed to combat the symptoms of diarrhea. The most common form of release is lyophilized lozenges, chewable tablets (Imodium plus), capsules.

Lyophilization is the drying of substances by rapid freezing and placing in a vacuum chamber. This method is used to increase the shelf life of substances, in this case it is loperamide hydrochloride, which is the main active ingredient of Imodium.

In this article we will look at why doctors prescribe the drug Imodium, including instructions for use, analogues and prices for this drug in pharmacies. If you have already used Imodium, leave your feedback in the comments.

Composition and release form

Pharmacological action: antidiarrheal agent.

• Lingual tablets are white or almost white in color and round in shape. 1 tablet contains 2 mg of loperamide hydrochloride and excipients (aspartame, sodium bicarbonate, mannitol, mint flavor and gelatin). Imodium tablets are packaged in blisters of 6 or 10 pieces, in a cardboard pack there are 1 or 2 blisters.
• One capsule of Imodium contains 2 mg of loperamide hydrochloride and auxiliary components (talc, corn starch, magnesium stearate and lactose). The capsule shell contains yellow iron oxide, black iron oxide, sodium indigotin disulfonate, titanium dioxide, gelatin and sodium erythrosine. Imodium capsules are packaged in 6 or 20 pieces in blisters, 1 blister in a cardboard box.

As you can see, the drug is available in two dosage forms - film-coated capsules and lingual tablets.

What is Imodium used for?

Imodium is used for non-infectious diarrhea of ​​various forms and origins:

• in cases of acute and chronic diarrhea;
• in cases of drug-induced, emotional, allergic and radiation diarrhea;
• due to changes in diet and type of food;
• in cases of metabolic disorders and disturbances of the absorption mechanism;
• for correction of stool in patients with ileostomy;
• as an additional remedy for infectious diarrhea.

pharmachologic effect

Imodium - the antidiarrheal effect of the drug is due to the selective effect of the active substance on the cells of the intestinal walls, increasing the tone of its muscles, blocking acetylcholine and prostaglandin receptors, as well as reducing its secretory activity. In addition, Imodium slows down the movement of feces and reduces pain in the abdominal area by eliminating spasms of smooth muscles.

Imodium is quickly absorbed and has a therapeutic effect within half an hour after its use. Its elimination occurs 18-28 hours after administration, with bile or feces. The drug is neutralized in the liver.

Instructions for use

Imodium capsules are taken orally half an hour before meals. Lozenges are placed on the tip of the tongue. Within a few seconds, the tablet dissolves and can be swallowed without drinking water.

• For adults with acute diarrhea, the first dose is 4 mg, then 2 mg after each act of defecation in case of loose stools. For chronic diarrhea, the first dose is 2 mg, the maintenance dose is selected so that the stool frequency is 1-2 times a day (2-12 mg/day). The maximum daily dose for adults is 16 mg.
• Children aged 4-8 years – 1 mg 3-4 times a day for 3 days; 9-12 years – 2 mg 4 times a day for 5 days.

Stop taking the drug when formed stool appears or if there is no urge to defecate for more than 12 hours.

Contraindications

Imodium should not be used in the following cases:

1. Acute ulcerative colitis;
2. Diverticulosis;
3. Intestinal obstruction (including in cases where suppression of peristalsis is not recommended);
4. First trimester of pregnancy and period of breastfeeding (lactation);
5. Pseudomembranous enterocolitis (diarrhea associated with antibiotics);
6. Acute dysentery and other gastrointestinal tract infections (caused, including Shigella spp., Salmonella spp., Campylobacter spp.);
7. Age up to 6 years;
8. Hypersensitivity to the components of the drug.

Imodium should be used with caution in patients with liver failure.

Side effects

The drug is usually well tolerated by patients, however, the following adverse reactions may develop:

1. Allergic reactions: pruritus, urticaria, erythema, Steven-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis. If recommended doses were exceeded or there was increased individual sensitivity, patients developed anaphylactic shock.
2. From the gastrointestinal tract: dry mouth, intestinal obstruction, dyspepsia, lower abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, flatulence, defecation disorders. Sometimes patients experience megacolon and toxic megacolon.
3. From the central nervous system: headache, dizziness, increased fatigue, disturbance of sleep and wakefulness.
4. Other side effects: urinary retention.

If any side effects occur, you should stop taking the drug and contact your doctor.

Overdose

An overdose of Imodium may cause central nervous system depression (impaired coordination, miosis, drowsiness, stupor, respiratory depression, muscle hypertonicity), urinary retention and a complex of symptoms characteristic of intestinal obstruction.

Treatment for overdose. If symptoms consistent with an Imodium overdose occur, naloxone can be used as an antidote. Due to the fact that the duration of action of Imodium is longer than that of naloxone, repeated administration of naloxone may be necessary.

In case of overdose, symptomatic therapy is also carried out. For timely detection of possible CNS depression, the patient must be under medical supervision for 48 hours.

Pregnancy and lactation

Contraindicated in the first trimester of pregnancy. In the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, loperamide can be prescribed in cases where the expected benefit of therapy for the mother outweighs the potential risk to the fetus.

Because small amounts of loperamide are found in breast milk, use during breastfeeding is not recommended.

Analogs

In the pharmacy chain you can find the following cheap analogues of Imodium:

1. Lopedium;
2. Loperamide;
3. Loperamide Grindeks;
4. Loperamide Hydrochloride;
5. Stoperan;
6. Imodium Lingual;
7. Loperamide-Health.

Attention: the use of analogues must be agreed with the attending physician.

Prices

The average price of Imodium in pharmacies (Moscow) is 180 rubles.

Storage conditions

Dry place without access to light at room temperature. Shelf life – no more than 5 years.

Name:

Imodium

Pharmacological
action:

Pharmacodynamics.
Imodium is a potent, long-acting antidiarrheal drug. Loperamide hydrochloride binds to opiate receptors in the intestinal wall. As a result, the release of acetylcholine and prostaglandins is suppressed and thus propulsive peristalsis is reduced and the transit time of the contents through the intestines is increased, as well as the ability of the intestinal wall to absorb fluid. Loperamide hydrochloride increases the tone of the anal sphincter, helping to reduce fecal incontinence and the urge to defecate.
Loperamide is a highly specific substance for the intestinal wall, reaches systemic circulation in a limited volume and practically does not penetrate the BBB. The threshold for central action is well above the dose that produces maximum effect on diarrhea.
Pharmacokinetics.
Absorption: Most loperamide taken orally is absorbed in the intestine, but due to extensive first-pass metabolism, systemic bioavailability is about 0.3%.
Distribution: Results from studies on the distribution of loperamide in rats demonstrate high affinity relative to the intestinal wall with preferential binding to receptors in the longitudinal layer of the muscularis propria. Preclinical data have shown that loperamide is a substrate of P-glycoprotein.
Metabolism: Loperamide is almost completely extracted by the liver. Loperamide is predominantly metabolized and conjugated by the liver and excreted in bile. Oxidative N-demethylation is the main metabolic pathway of loperamide, this process is mediated mainly by the CYP 3A4 and CYP 2C8 isomorphs. Due to the very intense first-pass effect through the liver, the concentration of unchanged drug in the blood plasma remains very low.
Elimination: T½ of loperamide in humans is approximately 11 hours with a range of 9–14 hours. Excretion of unchanged loperamide and its metabolites occurs primarily in the feces.
Pediatric Patient Population: Pharmacokinetic studies have not been conducted in the pediatric patient population. The pharmacokinetic behavior of loperamide and drug interactions with loperamide are expected to be similar to those observed in adults.

Indications for
application:

Imodium is prescribed adults and children over 5 years old for stool disorders, in particular:
- the drug is used for symptomatic treatment of acute and chronic diarrhea of ​​various origins (except for diarrhea caused by taking antimicrobial drugs);
- Imodium is prescribed to patients with ileostomy to reduce the frequency and normalize the consistency of stool.

Mode of application:

Imodium is not intended for the initial treatment of severe diarrhea that is accompanied by dehydration and decreased fluid and electrolyte levels. Particularly in children, it is advisable to compensate for this loss by prescribing replacement therapy parenterally or orally.
Adults and children over 6 years of age. Capsules should be taken with water.
Acute diarrhea: the initial dose for adults is 2 capsules (4 mg), for children - 1 capsule (2 mg); subsequently, 1 capsule (2 mg) is prescribed after each subsequent loose bowel movement.
Chronic diarrhea: initial dose for adults - 2 capsules (4 mg), for children - 1 capsule (2 mg) daily; this dose is further adjusted so that the frequency of solid bowel movements is 1–2 times a day, which is achieved by taking a dose of 1–6 capsules (2–12 mg) daily.
The maximum daily dose for adults for chronic and acute diarrhea is 8 capsules (16 mg), for children it should be calculated based on the child’s body weight - 3 capsules per 20 kg of body weight.
For acute diarrhea, if clinical improvement is not observed within 48 hours, Imodium should be discontinued.
Use in elderly patients. No dose adjustment is required in elderly patients.
Use for renal impairment. No dose adjustment is required in patients with impaired renal function.
Use for liver dysfunction. Although there are no pharmacokinetic data on the effect of the drug in patients with impaired liver function, Imodium should be administered to such patients with caution due to the slowing of first-pass metabolism (see Special Instructions).

Side effects:

Allergic reactions: very rarely - skin rash, urticaria, itching; in isolated cases - angioedema, bullous rashes (including Steven-Johnson syndrome), erythema multiforme, toxic epidermal necrolysis, anaphylactic shock, anaphylactoid reactions.
From the digestive system: very rarely - taste distortion, abdominal pain, nausea, constipation, bloating, vomiting, dyspepsia, intestinal obstruction, megacolon (including a toxic variant).
From the genitourinary system: in isolated cases - urinary retention.
From the side of the central nervous system: very rarely - dizziness; in isolated cases - drowsiness.
Reports of adverse reactions during clinical and post-marketing studies of loperamide include diarrhea (dry mouth, abdominal pain, abdominal discomfort, nausea, vomiting, constipation, bloating, fatigue, drowsiness, dizziness). Therefore, it is quite difficult to establish a reliable connection between taking the drug and the above symptoms.

Contraindications:

Increased individual sensitivity to components drug.
The drug is not prescribed to patients with the following diseases:
- acute dysentery (especially if there are blood clots in the stool and the patient has an elevated body temperature);
- acute ulcerative colitis;
- pseudomembranous colitis, which is caused by taking antibiotics;
- bacterial enterocolitis;
- paralytic ileus and other diseases accompanied by impaired intestinal motility;
- constipation;
- the drug is not prescribed to patients with lactose intolerance.

Children under 6 years old the drug is prescribed under strict medical supervision. The drug is not prescribed during lactation.
Imodium is prescribed with caution during pregnancy and in patients suffering from liver dysfunction.
Since the drug can cause drowsiness, during therapy with loperamide it is not recommended to perform work involving the use of potentially dangerous mechanisms.

Interaction
other medicinal
by other means:

Cases of drug interactions have been reported with similar pharmacological properties. Drugs that have a depressant effect on the central nervous system should not be used concomitantly with loperamide hydrochloride in children.
Preclinical data suggest that loperamide is a substrate of P-glycoprotein. The simultaneous administration of loperamide (at a dose of 16 mg) together with P-glycoprotein inhibitors (quinidine, ritonavir) led to an increase in the level of loperamide in the blood plasma by 2-3 times. The clinical significance of this pharmacokinetic interaction when using loperamide at recommended doses is unknown.
Concomitant use of loperamide(4 mg once) and itraconazole, an inhibitor of CYP 3A4 and P-glycoprotein, led to a 3-4-fold increase in plasma concentrations of loperamide. In the same study, the CYP2C8 inhibitor gemfibrozil increased loperamide levels by approximately 2-fold. The combined use of itraconazole and gemfibrozil resulted in a 4-fold increase in the maximum plasma concentration of loperamide and a 13-fold increase in total plasma exposure. This increase is not associated with CNS effects assessed by psychomotor tests (i.e., subjective sleepiness and digit substitution test).
Concomitant use of loperamide (16 mg once) and ketoconazole, an inhibitor of CYP 3A4 and P-glycoprotein, resulted in a 5-fold increase in plasma concentrations of loperamide. This increase is not associated with an increase in the severity of pharmacodynamic effects, as determined by pupillometry.
Concomitant treatment with oral desmopressin resulted in a 3-fold increase in plasma desmopressin concentrations, likely due to slower gastrointestinal motility.
It is expected that drugs with similar pharmacological properties may enhance the effect of loperamide, and drugs that accelerate the transit of food through the gastrointestinal tract may reduce the severity of its action.

Overdose:

Symptoms. In case of overdose (including relative overdose due to impaired liver function), central nervous system depression (stupor, incoordination, drowsiness, miosis, muscle hypertonicity, respiratory depression), urinary retention and a complex of symptoms similar to intestinal obstruction may occur. Children may be more sensitive to CNS effects.
Treatment. If symptoms of overdose occur, naloxone can be used as an antidote. Because the duration of action of Imodium is longer than that of naloxone (1–3 hours), repeated administration of naloxone may be necessary. To identify possible CNS depression, the patient should be closely monitored for at least 48 hours.

**** JANSSEN PHARMACEUTICA JANSSEN-CILAG Catalent UK Swindon Zaidis Limited / Janssen-Cilag S Janssen-Cilag S. p. A. Janssen-Cilag N.V. Janssen-Cilag N.V./Cardinal Health U.K. Limited Janssen-Cilag N.V./Janssen-Cilag S.A. Janssen-Cilag S.p.A./Janssen Pharmaceuticals N.V.

Country of origin

Belgium UK/Italy Italy UK France

Product group

Digestive tract and metabolism

Antidiarrheal symptomatic drug

Release forms

• 10 pieces. - blisters (2) - cardboard packs. 4 - blisters (1) - cardboard packs. 6 - blisters (2) - cardboard packs. 6 - blisters (1) - cardboard packs. 6 - blisters (1) - cardboard packs. 10 - blisters (1) - cardboard packs. 10 - blisters (2) - cardboard packs. 6 - blisters (1) - cardboard packs. 20 - blisters (1) - cardboard packs. lyophilized tablets - 6 pcs per pack. lyophilized tablets of 2 mg (0.002) - 10 pcs per pack. pack 10 tablets pack 6 tablets

Description of the dosage form

• White or almost white round lyophilized tablets Hard gelatin capsules, size No. 4, with a green cap with white inscription "Imodium" and a dark gray body with white inscription "JANSSEN"; The contents of the capsules are white powder. Lozenges Lozenges Lozenges white or almost white, round, lyophilized Lozenges white or almost white, round, lyophilized. Lozenges Chewable tablets are white, round, flat, with “IMO” engraved on one side, with the scent of vanilla and mint.

pharmachologic effect

Antidiarrheal drug. Loperamide binds to opioid receptors in the intestinal wall, which leads to inhibition of propulsive peristalsis and increased resorption of water and electrolytes. Loperamide does not change the physiological intestinal microflora and increases the tone of the anal sphincter. Simethicone is an inert surfactant. It has an antifoaming effect and therefore relieves symptoms associated with diarrhea (flatulence, abdominal discomfort, cramping pain). Imodium® Plus does not have a central effect.

Pharmacokinetics

Most of loperamide is absorbed in the intestine, but due to active first-pass metabolism, systemic bioavailability is approximately 0.3%. Data from preclinical studies indicate that loperamide is a substrate of P-glycoprotein. The binding of loperamide to plasma proteins (mainly albumin) is 95%. Loperamide is predominantly metabolized in the liver, conjugated and excreted in the bile. Oxidative N-demethylation is the main route of metabolism of loperamide and is carried out primarily with the participation of an inhibitor of the CYP3A4 and CYP2C8 isoenzymes. Due to active first-pass metabolism, the concentration of unchanged loperamide in the blood plasma is negligible. In humans, the half-life of loperamide averages 11 hours, ranging from 9 to 14 hours. Unchanged loperamide and its metabolites are excreted primarily in the feces. Pharmacokinetic studies have not been conducted in children. The pharmacokinetics of loperamide and its interactions with other drugs are expected to be similar to those in adults.

Special conditions

The drug should be stopped immediately if constipation or bloating develops. Since the treatment of diarrhea with Imodium is only symptomatic, along with this it is necessary, if possible, to use etiotropic drugs. With diarrhea, especially in children, hypovolemia and decreased electrolyte levels may occur. In such cases, replacement therapy to replace fluids and electrolytes is most important. In case of acute diarrhea, if clinical improvement is not observed within 48 hours, Imodium should be discontinued and the infectious origin of diarrhea should be excluded. Do not use for diarrhea with blood in the stool and high fever. In AIDS patients, treatment should be stopped immediately at the first sign of abdominal bloating. In some cases, AIDS patients with infectious colitis of both viral and bacterial nature may develop toxic dilatation of the colon when treated with Imodium. Patients with impaired liver function should be closely monitored in order to promptly identify signs of toxic damage. During treatment, diet and fluid replacement are recommended. It should be borne in mind that lozenges are quite fragile, so to avoid damage they should not be pressed through the foil. In order to remove a tablet from the blister, you need to take the foil by the edge, completely remove it from the hole in which the tablet is located, and, gently pressing from below, remove the tablet from the package. Impact on the ability to drive vehicles and operate machinery During the treatment period, it is necessary to refrain from driving vehicles and engaging in potentially hazardous activities that require increased concentration and high speed of psychomotor reactions. Overdose Symptoms: central nervous system depression - stupor, loss of coordination, drowsiness, miosis, increased muscle tone, respiratory depression, intestinal obstruction. Children are more sensitive to effects on the central nervous system. Treatment: gastric lavage, administration of activated carbon (no later than 3 hours after taking Imodium), mechanical ventilation. The antidote is naloxone. Because The duration of action of Imodium is longer than that of naloxone (1-3 hours); repeated administration of the latter may be required. To detect possible CNS depression, the patient should be closely monitored for at least 48 hours.

Compound

• (per tablet): Active substance: loperamide hydrochloride 2 mg. Excipients: gelatin 5.863 mg, mannitol 4.397 mg, aspartame 0.750 mg, mint flavor 0.300 mg, sodium bicarbonate 0.375 mg. Loperamide h/x - 2 mg; Aux. ingredients: gelatin 5.863, mannitol 4.397, aspartame 0.750, mint flavor 0.300, sodium bicarbonate 0.375. loperamide hydrochloride 2 mg Excipients: gelatin, mannitol, aspartame, mint flavor, sodium bicarbonate. Loperamide hydrochloride 2 mg Excipients: gelatin, mannitol, aspartame, mint flavor, sodium bicarbonate. Loperamide hydrochloride 2 mg Simethicone 125 mg Excipients: sucrose, microcrystalline cellulose, polymethacrylate, cellulose acetate, sorbitol, dextrates (hydrated), vanilla-mint flavor (natural-synthetic), sodium saccharinate, stearic acid, calcium phosphate. per tablet): Active substance: loperamide hydrochloride 2 mg. Excipients: gelatin 5.863 mg, mannitol 4.397 mg, aspartame 0.750 mg, mint flavor 0.300 mg, sodium bicarbonate 0.375 mg.

Imodium indications for use

• Symptomatic treatment of acute and chronic diarrhea (origin: allergic, emotional, drug, radiation; with changes in diet and quality of food, with metabolic and absorption disorders). As an auxiliary drug for diarrhea of ​​infectious origin. Regulation of bowel movements in patients with ileostomy.

Imodium contraindications

• - acute dysentery and other gastrointestinal infections (caused, including Salmonella spp., Shigella spp., Campylobacter spp.); - intestinal obstruction (including, if necessary, avoiding suppression of peristalsis); - diverticulosis; - acute ulcerative colitis; - pseudomembranous enterocolitis (diarrhea caused by taking antibiotics); - I trimester of pregnancy; - lactation period (breastfeeding); - children under 6 years of age; - hypersensitivity to loperamide and/or other components of the drug. The drug should be prescribed with caution in case of liver failure.

Imodium dosage

Imodium side effects

• Adverse reactions are adverse events for which a causal relationship with the use of loperamide should be considered proven based on a comprehensive assessment of the available information about the adverse event. In some cases, it is quite difficult to reliably establish a cause-and-effect relationship between taking loperamide and the occurrence of these symptoms. In addition, because clinical studies are conducted in different settings, the incidence of adverse reactions in clinical trials of one drug may not be directly comparable with the incidence of adverse reactions in clinical trials of another drug and may not be representative of the incidence of adverse reactions in clinical practice. According to clinical studies, adverse reactions observed in >1% of patients taking Imodium® for acute diarrhea: headache, constipation, flatulence, nausea, vomiting. Adverse reactions observed in 1% of patients taking Imodium® for chronic diarrhea: dizziness, flatulence, constipation, nausea. Adverse reactions observed in 10%), common (>1%, but 0.1%, but 0.01%, but

Drug interactions

According to preclinical studies, loperamide is a substrate of P-glycoprotein. With the simultaneous use of loperamide (single dose of 16 mg) and quinidine or ritonavir, which are P-glycoprotein inhibitors, the concentration of loperamide in the blood plasma increased 2-3 times. The clinical significance of the described pharmacokinetic interaction with P-glycoprotein inhibitors when using loperamide at recommended doses is unknown. The simultaneous use of loperamide (single dose of 4 mg) and itraconazole, an inhibitor of the CYP3A4 isoenzyme and P-glycoprotein, led to an increase in the concentration of loperamide in the blood plasma by 3-4 times. In the same study, the use of the CYP2C8 isoenzyme inhibitor, gemfibrozil, led to an approximately 2-fold increase in plasma concentrations of loperamide. When using a combination of itraconazole and gemfibrozil, the peak plasma concentration of loperamide increased by 4 times and the total concentration by 13 times. This increase was not associated with CNS effects as assessed by psychomotor tests (i.e., subjective sleepiness rating and digit substitution test). The simultaneous use of loperamide (single dose of 16 mg) and ketoconazole, an inhibitor of CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein, led to a fivefold increase in the concentration of loperamide in the blood plasma. This increase was not associated with an increase in pharmacodynamic effect assessed by pupil size. With simultaneous oral administration of desmopressin, the concentration of desmopressin in the blood plasma increased 3-fold, probably due to a slowdown in gastrointestinal motility. It is expected that drugs with similar pharmacological properties may increase the effect of loperamide, and drugs that increase the rate of passage through the gastrointestinal tract may decrease the effect of loperamide.

Overdose

Symptoms In case of overdose (including relative overdose due to impaired liver function), urinary retention, paralytic intestinal obstruction, and signs of central nervous system (CNS) depression may appear: stupor, loss of coordination, drowsiness, miosis, muscle hypertonicity, respiratory depression. Children may be more sensitive to the CNS effects of loperamide than adults. Therapy If symptoms of overdose occur, naloxone can be used as an antidote. Because the duration of action of loperamide is longer than that of naloxone (1-3 hours), repeated administration of naloxone may be necessary. Therefore, it is necessary to carefully monitor the patient's condition for at least 48 hours in order to promptly detect signs of possible CNS depression.

Storage conditions

• store at room temperature 15-25 degrees
• keep away from children

Information provided

Quite often, people go to the doctor complaining of digestive disorders. And often experts recommend Imodium. Indications for the use of the drug include such a common problem as diarrhea. So what does the drug consist of, what properties does it have?

Composition and properties of the medicine

This drug is available in the form of hard gelatin capsules with white powder inside or chewable tablets. The main active component of the drug is loperamide hypochloride. This substance acts on some receptors in the cells of the intestinal wall. In particular, it modifies the activity of adrenergic and cholinergic neurons.

When is it advisable to use Imodium? Indications for its use are diarrhea. The fact is that under the influence of the drug, the tone of the wall of the rectum and anal sphincter increases, which reduces the frequency of the urge to defecate and helps to keep feces inside the intestines.

On the other hand, loperamide reduces intestinal motility and normalizes mucus secretion. Under the influence of the drug, pain and discomfort caused by spasm of smooth muscles decreases. In addition, the medicine normalizes the process of water absorption and electrolyte balance, which reduces the likelihood of developing dehydration.

"Imodium": indications for use

Naturally, first you need to see a doctor. If you really need such a medicine, then a specialist will prescribe Imodium for you. Indications for use: acute and chronic diarrhea of ​​any origin. This drug is effective for diarrhea resulting from poor nutrition, infection, medication, emotional breakdown, radiation therapy, and metabolic disorders.

Patients with ileostomy also take the medicine, as it helps normalize the consistency of stool and reduce the number of bowel movements.

How to take Imodium correctly?

You should not use the medicine yourself. Only the doctor knows what Imodium is, indications for use, etc. Doses here are selected individually depending on the patient’s condition. However, most often adult patients take 1-2 capsules 1 to 6 times a day (but not more than eight per day). For adolescents and children, the single dose is lower - 1 tablet.

Contraindications and side effects

To begin with, it is worth noting that the medicine is not prescribed to patients with constipation, hypersensitivity to any component, or people with lactose intolerance. Contraindications are also considered acute ulcerative colitis, acute dysentery, bacterial enterocolitis, diseases accompanied by paralysis of the intestinal muscles. The drug is not prescribed to children under five years of age. During pregnancy, the medicine should be used very carefully.

As for side effects, sometimes the medication provokes the development of an allergic skin reaction. In some cases, headaches, insomnia, dizziness and fatigue occur. Occasionally, nausea and vomiting, pain in the lower abdomen, flatulence, dry mouth are recorded. If your health worsens, you should stop taking the capsules for a while and consult a doctor.

In the life of each of us there is such an unpleasant and annoying, and in some cases very dangerous, condition as diarrhea. The modern human body is weakened by stress, poor environment, unhealthy diet, and uncontrolled use of medications. So the gastrointestinal tract reacts to these irritants accordingly - with nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.

To be able to quickly stop such undesirable conditions, it is important to have effective antidiarrheal agents in your home and car medicine cabinets.

The drug Imodium, the generic version of which is the domestic Loperamide, is very popular among the population of our country due to its affordable cost, high efficiency, availability in pharmacies and convenient release form. But before taking medicine for diarrhea, it is important to read the detailed instructions.

Instructions for use of the drug Imodium from the manufacturer contain detailed information on pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics. The drug, the key component of which is loperamide hydrochloride, has a powerful antidiarrheal effect. The active substance is a synthetic selective inhibitor that acts on opioid receptors, suppressing the release of acetylcholine and prostaglandin. At the same time, the physiological intestinal microflora remains unchanged. The following is observed quickly after taking the medicine:

• Decreased mucus secretion;
• increased tone of the walls of the rectum and sphincter;
• decreased peristalsis;
• reduction in the urge to defecate.

The rapid action of Imodium in capsules (many patients prefer to take lyophilized tablets) prevents such a dangerous condition as dehydration, which can quickly develop with frequent loose stools and vomiting. Patients who took Imodium for diarrhea also noted a decrease in pain caused by intestinal distress

The drug is actively absorbed by the intestinal walls. The breakdown of the active substance is carried out by the liver. Excretion of conjugated metabolites occurs in feces and urine.

Interaction

Imodium in capsules and lozenges should not be taken simultaneously with medications containing P-glycoprotein blockers or medications that have a depressant effect on the nervous system.

Attention! In order not to cause a serious blow to the liver and not to aggravate the condition of poisoning, it is strictly forbidden to combine Imodium and alcohol!

Composition and release form

The drug Imodium is available in capsules and lyophilized tablets with absolutely identical effects. Imodium lyophilized tablets and capsules contain: loperamide hydrochloride 2 mg, additional components (more details in the manufacturer's instructions)

The drug is supplied to the pharmacy chain in blisters packed in cardboard packs.

Indications

What can taking Imodium cure? We bring to your attention the basic list for using the medicine. Indications for use of Imodium are as follows:

• Diarrhea in acute and chronic form.
• Ileostomy.
• Traveler's diarrhea.

Important! If bloody inclusions are detected in the stool, the drug should be stopped!

Contraindications

The list of contraindications for taking Imodium, indicated in the manufacturer's instructions, is quite extensive. First of all, it is important to immediately stop using the antidiarrheal medication if you are hypersensitive to any component of the composition. Among the contraindications, it is also worth noting the following pathological conditions:

• Acute dysentery.
• Acute ulcerative colitis.
• Intestinal obstruction.
• I trimester of pregnancy.
• Age up to 6 years.
• Constipation, etc.

Side effects

When taking Imodium anti-diarrhea tablets, patients may experience constipation, abdominal cramps, nausea, headache, drowsiness, flatulence, allergic reactions on the skin, etc. In rare cases, Quincke's edema and anaphylactic reactions develop.

Mode of application

The drug is available in pharmacies without a prescription, but before taking Imodium, it is advisable to consult a specialist and read reviews on thematic resources. At the beginning of the course of treatment, adults are prescribed 2 drops. (maximum - 8 per day), children and adolescents - 1 drop. (maximum – 3 per day per 20 kg of weight, no more than 8). Next, the dose is selected depending on the frequency of bowel movements. Taking the next dose of medication is indicated after each loose stool.

Imodium Plus instructions for use indicate that the tablet should be placed on the tongue, wait until the drug dissolves and swallow without drinking water.

The indication for completing the course of treatment for diarrhea using Imodium is the absence of loose stools for half a day.

What to do in case of overdose?

If the dosage of the drug Imodium is violated, patients may experience the following side effects:

• Pronounced symptoms of depression.
• Urinary retention.
• Signs of acute intestinal obstruction.
• Respiratory dysfunction.

Naloxone is often used as an antidote to loperamide hydrochloride (provided that no more than 3 hours have passed since taking Imodium). In case of mild overdose, symptomatic treatment at home is allowed. When identifying side effects of poisoning in children, it is important to immediately perform gastric lavage and force the child to take an effective enterosorbent.

If the dose is repeatedly exceeded and subsequent conditions occur, it is important to seek medical help as soon as possible. If breathing is impaired, artificial ventilation may be required. In a hospital setting, patients with an overdose of Imodium are observed for at least 2 days.

Special instructions for use

We have found out why and how to take Imodium; now we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the special instructions for using this antidiarrheal drug:

• The use of the drug in childhood should be done under the strict supervision of a physician. He also determines the correct dose of the medicine and gives recommendations for taking it.
• The use of Imodium in the treatment of diarrhea during lactation is unacceptable, since the active substance can pass into mother's milk and harm the baby.
• It is extremely important to stop taking the drug if bloating is detected in patients with AIDS.
• Lozenges are quite fragile; you should remove them from the blister as carefully as possible.
• During the treatment period, you should refrain from drinking alcohol and driving.

Terms of sale and storage

The drug Imodium can be purchased at the pharmacy without a doctor's prescription, but in order to avoid negative consequences, you should consult with a specialist before starting to take capsules or tablets. In addition, only a doctor can recommend the most effective method of use.

It is recommended to store the medicine at room temperature, avoiding exposure of the packaging to direct sunlight, out of the reach of children. It is unacceptable to take Imodium after the expiration date (5 years from the date of manufacture)!