Imodium (loperamide) is a medication primarily used to treat diarrhea, including both short-term (acute) and long-term (chronic) cases such as those related to inflammatory bowel disease[1][2][3]. It can also be used to manage traveler’s diarrhea, and is effective in reducing the amount of stool in people who have an ileostomy (a surgical opening in the abdomen to allow waste to leave the body)[2][3][6].
Loperamide works by slowing down intestinal movement, which allows more water to be absorbed from stool, making it less watery and reducing the frequency of bowel movements[1][4]. This effect also helps to increase the viscosity and bulk of the stool, and can decrease the loss of fluids and electrolytes[4].
The main uses for Imodium tablets include:
- Controlling symptoms of acute nonspecific diarrhea
- Treating irritable bowel syndrome (as diagnosed by a doctor)
- Managing chronic diarrhea resulting from inflammatory bowel disease, short bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis
- Reducing ileostomy output for patients with this surgical condition
- Relieving diarrhea that occurs with cramps, bloating, and gas (in specific multi-symptom formulations)
Imodium is available over-the-counter for adults and children over 12 years old with short-term diarrhea. Children aged 2 to 11 years should only use the medication if prescribed by a doctor[5][7].
References
- [1] Loperamide – Wikipedia
- [2] Loperamide (Imodium AD) – Uses, Side Effects, and More – WebMD
- [3] Imodium: Uses, Dosage & Side Effects – Drugs.com
- [4] Imodium (Loperamide Hcl): Side Effects, Uses, Dosage – RxList
- [5] Imodium: Dosage, uses, side effects, how it works, and more – Medical News Today
- [6] Loperamide (oral route) – Mayo Clinic
- [7] Who can and cannot take loperamide – NHS
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