What does Imodium help with? Instructions for use

Category: Published 09/20/2016 · Comments: · Reading time: 4 min · Views: 2,130

Imodium is an effective antidiarrheal agent. What does this drug help with? The medicine calms the digestive system, normalizes intestinal function, and reduces fluid loss by the body. “Imodium” instructions for use recommend taking it for diarrhea caused by various factors.

Pharmacological properties

Loperamide, which is part of imodium, has the ability to be easily absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, from where it is excreted in the bile.
It should be noted that it is precisely due to the identity of this substance with the cells of the intestinal walls and the highest level of metabolism during passage through the liver that this substance does not enter the blood. Using examples of rodents, in particular rats, the distribution of the chemical compound was studied, which indicated identity with respect to the intestinal walls, as well as, first of all, affinity with the receptors of the intestinal muscular lining. Loperamide, which is part of Imodium, which primarily helps eliminate diarrhea, undergoes absorption. During its passage through liver cells, this substance is subject to metabolism. In this case, a connection with albumin is detected. It takes an average of ten hours for loperamide to be eliminated from the body. The main elimination is through the gastrointestinal tract.

The substance loperamide tends to bind to opiate receptors located in the intestinal walls. This suppresses the release of prostaglandin, acetylcholine, which reduces intestinal motility. At the same time, the period of movement of contents through the intestinal channels increases. At the same time, the sphincter tone increases. The urge to defecate decreases.

It should be said that loperamide is a synthetic opioid receptor blocker with selective properties. It is capable of exerting an effect exclusively on the intestinal walls, with a particularly pronounced effect on the intramural neurons of the intestine. By influencing the smooth muscles of intestinal fibers, this substance provides an antidiarrhetic effect. The function of neurons changes, the formation of prostaglandin and acetylcholine in the walls of the intestines and stomach is blocked. After taking Imodium, the tone of the rectum, as well as the sphincter, increases, due to which feces are not excreted, and the number of urges to defecate decreases. Under the influence of loperamide, intestinal motility is normalized, and the period of movement of the contents of the stomach and intestines increases. This drug helps reduce mucus in the intestines, which is ensured by the normalization of the secretory function of the glands. During the period of action of Imodium, the absorption of electrolytes, as well as fluids from the intestines and stomach, returns to normal, this inhibits the development of the dehydration process, and also prevents an imbalance of electrolytes, which is possible as a consequence of diarrhea. After taking this drug, pain caused by spasms of the intestinal muscles decreases. One of the most positive properties of Imodium is its complete removal from the stomach and intestines. Loperamide is metabolized exclusively in liver cells. For this reason, this drug can be considered the most favorable and safe.

pharmachologic effect

Part of the drug Imodium, which reduces propulsive intestinal motility, loperamide blocks intestinal receptors and prevents the formation of acetylcholine and prostaglandin. As a result, the period of passage of masses through the intestines increases and the adsorption of fluid in the gastrointestinal tract accelerates.

The medicine increases the tone of the anal sphincter and rectum. The use of Imodium tablets promotes fecal retention, reducing the number of urges to defecate. Loperamide hydrochloride reduces mucus secretion, normalizes its volume, and reduces the severity of pain symptoms caused by spasms of intestinal smooth muscles.

special instructions

The instructions for use for Imodium lozenges indicate that if constipation or abdominal discomfort occurs, therapy with this medication should be stopped immediately.

It is extremely important to understand that diarrhea may be a consequence of a certain infectious disease that needs to be treated in a hospital setting, and this drug can only mask the clinical symptoms. With diarrhea (especially in childhood), dehydration very often develops, so symptomatic treatment should be used, which is aimed at replenishing water in the body

With diarrhea (especially in childhood), dehydration very often develops, so symptomatic treatment should be used, which is aimed at replenishing water in the body.

If the presence of blood or purulent mucus is noted in the stool, then treatment with this medicine is strictly prohibited.

Patients with AIDS are advised to closely monitor bowel function; treatment is discontinued at the first sign of bloating.

For people with impaired liver function, the drug is prescribed with some caution, and they should be monitored during the treatment period. To achieve the best effect and maintain the body, the patient should consume a large amount of fluid and follow a special diet during therapy.

To achieve the best effect and maintain the body, the patient should drink a large amount of fluid and follow a special diet during therapy.

During therapy with this drug, you should avoid driving vehicles and using complex machinery, since the medication can inhibit the activity of the central nervous system, but this manifests itself to a minor extent.

It is important to strictly adhere to the instructions for use of Imodium for resorption

Can IMODIUM® Express be given to children?

This medicine should not be given to a child without a doctor's prescription, and should not exceed the recommended dosage.

Parents need to remember that Imodium does not treat intestinal disorders, but only stops diarrhea. Considering the danger of the drug for a child, it should be used only when absolutely necessary and as prescribed by the attending physician.

In addition to an allergic reaction, negative consequences of exposure to loperamide itself are also possible. They can occur both with an overdose and with individual intolerance to the drug.

READ ALSO: instructions for using Loperamide tablets for children

Overdose symptoms

In case of individual intolerance and excess dosage, Imodium can cause:

• dizziness;
• problems with urination;
• indigestion;
• insomnia;
• apathy, lethargy, increased fatigue;
• colic in the intestines;
• dry mouth;
• disturbance of electrolyte metabolism.

Due to the fact that the active substance affects the central nervous system, after taking Imodium, disturbances in respiratory function, coordination of movements, and increased drowsiness are possible. Constriction of the pupils, increased muscle tone, and stupor may be observed. The effect on the central nervous system also explains the occurrence of intestinal obstruction. If after taking the medicine you experience bloating, nausea and vomiting, or pain, you should immediately stop using the medicine and seek medical help. The same should be done if constipation occurs.

How does it interact with other drugs?

The interaction of Imodium with other drugs has not been studied, so the manufacturer does not provide data on this. However, it is obvious that taking other medications that contain loperamide together with Imodium leads to a noticeable excess of the dose of the active substance in the body.

The results of an overdose will be similar to those of an overdose of Imodium. The consequence may be dangerous changes in the child’s body. In order to avoid this, Imodium should not be combined with other antidiarrheal drugs, especially those containing the same active ingredient.

How does Imodium work in the treatment of diarrhea, severe diarrhea?

Imodium is aimed at combating diarrhea. The main component - loperamide - is perfectly absorbed by the walls of the gastrointestinal tract and processed by the liver. Ultimately, it comes out along with feces and bile. This happens in 9 to 14 hours. The components do not enter the human circulatory system. This is due to the fact that loperamide is similar to the cells of the intestinal walls. This property of the drug was established through laboratory tests involving rats.

Loperamide primarily interacts with intestinal opiate receptors. By doing this, it reduces the production of prostaglandins and acetylcholine by the gastrointestinal tract. As a result, the intestinal walls contract less. Thus, feces move less intensively. In addition, the tension of the anal sphincter muscles increases significantly, which reduces the urge to defecate.

In addition, the main substance of the drug Imodium affects exclusively the patient’s intestines, in particular, his intramural neurons. This explains its medicinal properties. Taking this medication reduces the amount of mucus in the intestines. This happens due to the improvement of the secretory function of the glands. In addition, this drug prevents dehydration of the body and imbalance of electrolytes, because after taking it, the process of absorption of liquid and electrolytes from the digestive tract is normalized. Therapy with Loperamide relieves pain in the lower abdomen that occurs due to intestinal spasms. The safety of using this drug, first of all, lies in its absolute elimination from the gastrointestinal tract.

Drug review

It can only be purchased with a prescription. The product is produced in the form of tablets and capsules and is prescribed to children only after six years. Before reaching this age, the medication is not prescribed to children due to the potential danger to the child. This is due to problems that can be caused by taking this drug.

Important! Imodium for children is a medicine that should be used with caution and only after consultation with a pediatrician, since it is not safe.

Imodium is not available for children; the same drugs are used to treat diarrhea in children as in adult patients. Only a pediatrician can determine which medicine is suitable for a child, taking into account the history of illnesses and ease of use.

For example, some children have difficulty swallowing capsules, some are unable to dissolve tablets, as a result they simply chew them, others prefer only syrup of all medications. Instructions for use

Imodium for children means that the drug is available in pharmacies only in the following forms:

• Enteric capsules;
• lozenges.

A new product that is popular now is Imodium Plus. These are chewable tablets containing simethicone, a substance that can absorb gas bubbles, thereby helping to get rid of flatulence. This medication is not produced only in the form of a suspension.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

The medicine should not be used in children under two years of age, nursing women, in the first months of pregnancy, as well as in case of:

• intestinal obstruction, constipation;
• bloating;
• gastritis;
• Crohn's disease;
• intestinal adhesions;
• diverticulosis;
• hypersensitivity to the components of the drug;
• ulcerative and pseudomembranous colitis;
• phenylketonuria – a disease associated with impaired metabolism of phenylalanine (amino acid);
• the presence of blood in the stool;
• increased body temperature;
• liver pathologies.

Particular care should be taken when treating loose stools caused by antibiotics or infectious diseases.

Indications

Imodium should not be given to children without the consent of a doctor. As a rule, diarrhea in children occurs due to the consumption of spoiled foods or the ingestion of pathogenic microbes that cause the development of an intestinal infection.

The use of Imodium in such a situation will lead to the spread of viruses and bacteria throughout the body, and this, in turn, will cause severe complications that can cause death.

The indication for taking this drug is diarrhea of ​​the following origin:

• Changed diet, changes in food composition due to metabolic disorders and dissolution of metabolic products;
• allergen entering the baby's blood;
• nervous strain or psycho-emotional shock suffered by the child.

Abnormal bowel movements of an acute or chronic nature may occur due to radiation therapy or surgery.

>Imodium: instructions for use for children over 3 years old

In this situation, the use of Imodium will help increase the density of stool and reduce the frequency of bowel movements.

Probiotics are your friends

This is where taking probiotics can help. These are living bacteria and yeasts that are part of the flora and are also found in some foods, such as natural yogurt. In addition, you can take probiotics in the form of dietary supplements. They are believed to help restore the natural balance of intestinal flora, which is why they are called “good” and beneficial bacteria.

Probiotics and antibiotics

Experience shows that probiotics are especially useful when the body is weakened and when taking medications, especially antibiotics. After all, the latter kill not only dangerous bacteria that cause infections, but also protective organisms, which are also contained in the microflora.

A weakened intestinal flora defense mechanism can cause diarrhea and other digestive problems. Taking probiotics along with antibiotics is thought to help preserve the “good” bacteria.

Most probiotics are considered dietary supplements rather than medications. This means that they are used to supplement the nutrients you get from food, promoting their better absorption. Taking probiotics daily can have a positive effect on your digestive system and overall well-being.

There are many drugs on the pharmaceutical market that help normalize intestinal microflora. These drugs help improve digestion and overall well-being, and are also useful for disorders associated with stress and poor nutrition. One probiotic tablet can contain about a billion live bacteria of various subspecies. This is much more than in fermented milk products.

Release form

Imodium for children is not produced - in the treatment of diarrhea in a child, the same dosage forms are used as for an adult. Only a doctor can decide which drug is right for the baby, based on a history of diseases and ease of use. For example, some children have problems swallowing capsules. And others cannot swallow the tablet and simply chew it. On pharmacy shelves, the therapeutic line of Imodium is presented:

• enteric capsules No. 20 and No. 6;
• lozenges No. 6 and No. 10.

A new product from the manufacturer is popular - Imodium Plus. Chewable tablets contain simethicone. This organic compound has the ability to collapse gas bubbles, which is actively used by gastroenterologists in the treatment of flatulence.

How to use Imodium

Against the background of acute diarrhea, adults are prescribed 4 mg of the drug, and then after each act of defecation, while loose stools remain, 2 mg. Imodium for children over 6 years old can be taken 2 mg.

When treating chronic diarrhea in adults, after an initial dose of 4 mg, it is necessary to select a dosage at which the frequency of stool is 1-2 times a day (usually 2-12 mg, maximum 16 mg per day). The initial dosage for children is 2 mg.

After the symptoms of the disease disappear, the use of Imodium is stopped after 12 hours.

Treatment of diarrhea with medication is only symptomatic, so along with this, etiotropic medications should be used.

Against the background of diarrhea, hypovolemia and a decrease in electrolyte levels may occur (most often in children)

In this case, it is important to carry out replacement therapy to replenish electrolytes and fluids

If, against the background of acute diarrhea when using Imodium, improvement does not occur within two days, therapy must be interrupted and the diagnosis clarified to exclude an infectious genesis of the disease.

Imodium should not be used against the background of diarrhea with blood in the stool and high fever.

Against the background of liver dysfunction, it is necessary to ensure careful monitoring in order to promptly identify signs of toxic damage.

During therapy, you should follow a diet and monitor fluid replenishment.

Directions for use and doses

Imodium capsules and tablets are intended for internal use. Capsules are taken without chewing and washed down with plenty of clean still water. The tablets are simply placed on the tongue and they gradually dissolve in the mouth.

Single doses

How to take Imodium for diarrhea:

• single dose for adults - 2 capsules or tablets;
• single dose for children over 6 years old - 1 capsule;
• single dose for children over 4 years of age - 1 tablet.

After each act of bowel movement, you should take a tablet or capsule. If after 2 days from the start of treatment there is no improvement, then the drug must be discontinued and seek help from a gastroenterologist. He will adjust the dosage or replace the drug.

Imodium tablets have a pleasant minty taste and quickly dissolve in the mouth

Daily doses

The maximum daily dose is:

• for adults - 16 mg;
• for children over 6 years old - 6 mg.

Advice: “After the severity of symptoms decreases or there is no bowel movement for 12 hours, you should stop taking Imodium.”

The duration of the course of treatment and the daily dose are determined only by the doctor. The number of capsules and tablets for a single dose is selected individually depending on the complexity and nature of the diagnosed pathology. Imodium is not used or used with caution in the treatment of diarrhea of ​​infectious origin, which occurs against the background of dehydration and loss of a significant amount of mineral compounds.

WHAT IS THE PRICE

The cost of the drug may vary in different regions. The price also depends on the form of the drug and the quantity in the package.

Approximate cost of 10 tablets:

• in Moscow – 246-370 rubles;
• in the Leningrad region - 265-311 rubles;
• in the Vladimir region - 238-312 rubles;
• in Volgograd – 278 rubles;
• in the Vologda region – 207-288 rubles;
• in the Voronezh region - 266-294 rubles;
• in the Ivanovo region - 216-314 rubles;
• in Kaliningrad – 298-304 rubles.

The approximate cost for 6 capsules is:

• in Moscow - 165-217 rubles;
• in the Leningrad region - 156-183 rubles;
• in Murmansk – 220-231 rubles.

Patient reviews

I recently got food poisoning from the cafeteria at work. The pharmacy recommended Imodium lozenges for diarrhea. I liked the ease of use of the drug. Initially I took 2 tablets and a couple of hours later I took another one. This was enough to normalize the stool.

Marina

I have been suffering from diarrhea for a long time. The doctor said that the disease had become chronic. I used to take different medications. Recently my therapist prescribed me Imodium capsules. The doctor prescribed a course of treatment for me. Now my stool is starting to improve. I go to the toilet a couple of times a day.

Svetlana

When I have diarrhea I always buy Imodium. This drug has helped me more than once. Recently my child had an upset stomach. I wanted to buy Imodium, but it turned out that children can only take it after 6 years.

Anna

Imodium is the best remedy for poisoning if the main symptom of the disease is diarrhea. The drug begins to act 5 minutes after taking it. Before taking the medicine, you need to consult your doctor, who will tell you how many tablets you need to take and how long to continue treatment.

Vacation conditions and price

The average cost of Imodium (lyophilized tablets 2 mg No. 6) in Moscow is 210 rubles. Available without a prescription.

It must be stored at room temperature out of the reach of children. Shelf life – 5 years.

loperamide

Chemical name

– 4—N,N-dimethyl-2,2-diphenylbutanamide hydrochloride

Composition (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.

Description

White or off-white round lyophilized tablets.

antidiarrheal agent

ATX code

– A07DA03.

Pharmacological properties

Pharmacodynamics

Loperamide, by binding to opioid receptors in the intestinal wall, inhibits the release of acetylcholine and prostaglandins, thereby slowing down peristalsis and increasing the transit time of contents through the intestines.
Increases the tone of the anal sphincter, thereby reducing fecal incontinence and the urge to defecate. 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 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. Indications for use Symptomatic treatment of acute and chronic diarrhea (origin: allergic, emotional, medicinal, radiation; with changes in diet and quality food composition, with metabolic and absorption disorders). As an auxiliary drug for diarrhea of ​​infectious origin. Regulation of bowel movements in patients with ileostomy.

Composition of the drug

The drug contains loperamide hydrochloride as the main active ingredient. Its amount corresponds to 2 mg per 1 tablet or 1 capsule. Loperamide does not disrupt healthy intestinal microflora and does not have a systemic effect on the body. Its activity manifests itself only in the intestinal lumen and exclusively on receptors sensitive to it.

Imodium Plus contains a second active component - simethicone (125 mg per 1 tablet), which serves to eliminate the manifestations accompanying diarrhea:

• flatulence;
• pain and cramps;
• discomfort in the abdominal area.

Further components of the medicine depend on its release form:

• Lozenges include: gelatin;
• mannitol;
• aspartame - sweetener;
• mint flavor;
• sodium bicarbonate.

Contraindications and side effects

The main contraindications of Imodium include the following factors:

• individual intolerance to the composition, which can lead to the development of an allergic reaction;
• acute ulcerative colitis and dysentery;
• bacterial enterocolitis;
• colitis provoked by antibacterial therapy;
• constipation, lactose intolerance;
• paralytic ileus, impaired intestinal motility.

Therapy for children under six years of age is carried out exclusively under the supervision of the attending physician.

It is strictly forbidden to take this drug while breastfeeding; it should be used with extreme caution during pregnancy and in case of impaired liver function.

Considering the fact that Imodium can cause drowsiness and apathy, it is not recommended to drive during therapy.

Despite the fact that the antidiarrheal drug is well tolerated, there remains a minimal risk of developing side symptoms:

• dizziness, nausea and vomiting;
• headache, insomnia or drowsiness, excessive nervous excitability;
• constipation, increased gas formation and bloating;
• dry mouth;
• intestinal obstruction, acute urinary retention;
• itching and redness of the skin;
• painful syndrome in the lower abdomen and dyspepsia;
• toxic and ordinary megacolon;
• epidermal necrolysis, erythema;
• development of Steven-Johnson syndrome.

An overdose of Imodium may cause anaphylactic shock. If side effects occur, you must immediately stop therapy and seek emergency medical help.

Restrictions and contraindications

Imodium should not be used in the treatment of diarrhea in children who have individual sensitivity to the active substance or auxiliary ingredients of the drug. Tablets and capsules are not used if the child has the following pathologies:

• deficiency of the digestive enzyme lactase, which takes part in the metabolism of milk sugar;
• formation of protrusion on the intestinal walls;
• acute ulcerative colitis, enterocolitis;
• acute intestinal infections - dysentery, salmonellosis;
• a condition in which a decrease in the tone of the intestinal smooth muscle muscles is unacceptable.

Liver failure limits the use of Imodium. Taking the drug is possible if the benefit from its action outweighs the risk. The drug must be immediately discontinued if there is no positive effect within two days.

Analogues of Imodium, price in pharmacies

If necessary, you can replace Imodium with an analogue of the active substance - these are the following drugs:

1. Loperamide-Akrikhin,
2. Lopedium,
3. Stoperan.

By ATX code:

• Loperamide,
• Diara,
• Laremid,
• Lopedium,
• Enterobene.

When choosing analogues, it is important to understand that the instructions for use of Imodium, price and reviews do not apply to drugs with similar effects. It is important to consult a doctor and not change the drug yourself

Store at room temperature out of the reach of children. Shelf life – 5 years. Conditions for dispensing from pharmacies - without a prescription.

The composition of the drug includes as an active substance -. Additional capsule components: lactose, talc, corn starch, magnesium stearate. The capsule shell contains yellow iron oxide, titanium dioxide, erythrosine, black iron oxide, indigo carmine, gelatin.

Release form and composition of Imodium

Tablet form

The tablet is white, lyophilized, round in shape. The tablet intended for resorption consists of:

• sodium bicarbonate;
• loperamide hydrochloride - 2 mg;
• gelatin;
• mannitol;
• aspartame;
• mint flavoring.

One blister contains - 10 pcs.; One cardboard box contains 1 or 2 blister packs.

Capsule

Gelatin capsule - 1 piece, size No. 4.

Shell:

• gelatin
• sodium erythrosine
• sodium indigotin disulfonate
• iron oxide yellow
• titanium dioxide,
• iron oxide black.

The capsule has a hard gelatin shell and contains white powder.

Each cardboard pack contains 6 pieces of blisters or 20 pieces of blisters.

Contraindications

Among the considerable number of positive qualities of imodium, there are some contraindications for its use. First of all, this fact is associated with the peculiarities of the effect of loperamide on the human body.

Along with the high effect of treatment, some negative phenomena are also possible that should be avoided, taking into account cases when the use of Imodium is not recommended

Imodium should not be taken in the following cases:

• signs of hypersensitivity to loperamide or another component of imodium
• colitis (pseudomembranous or ulcerative colitis)
• bloating, subileus, constipation
• children under 5 years of age, the reason for prohibiting the use of the drug by children under 5 years of age is the high dose of imodium
• a condition in which a decrease in intestinal motility is not recommended
• complicated acute dysentery, in which blood is detected in the stool, as well as an increase in body temperature, while Imodium cannot act as the only remedy against diarrhea and this condition

Analogs

The drug may be replaced by similar drugs with antidiarrheal and suppressive intestinal motility effects. These include:

• Lopedium is an antidiarrheal drug based on loperamide;
• Loperamide - capsules or tablets containing the same ingredient as Imodium, stop diarrhea;
• Stoperan - capsules based on loperamide, help cope with diarrhea.

Side effects

Adverse reactions may depend on the nature of the disease:

• Acute diarrhea
  :
  constipation
  , dry mouth, cramps and colic in the abdominal area.
• Chronic diarrhea
  :
  constipation
  , nausea, pain in the stomach, colic and abdominal cramps, vomiting,
  bloating
  .

In addition, the following side effects are known:

• skin
  : skin rash;
• Gastrointestinal tract
  :
  megacolon
  ,;
• nervous system
  : loss of consciousness, depression of consciousness;
• general disorders
  : severe hypersensitivity reactions, including
  anaphylactoid reactions
  ;
• urinary system
  : urinary retention.

In rare cases, bullous

rashes.

Reviews

We have selected some people's reviews about the drug Imodium:

1. Alexander. In principle, it’s a good drug, but I use Loperamide more often. I didn't notice much of a difference. I am familiar with this problem - I almost ate it, and immediately got diarrhea. But it needs to be stopped, and the sooner the better - you know it!
2. Oleg. A medicine whose advertising does not deceive one iota: it really works, it really works quickly, it’s really very simple to take and you don’t have to drink it. It has been tested several times and in general is always in the car first aid kit: you never know where you have to have a snack on the highway, and the consequences of this can be very “intolerant”. Although it should be noted that sometimes it turns out too much. The laxative does not reach me, but anxiety arises. But just sometimes: perhaps some combination enhances the effect. In general, if you urgently need “stomach strength,” then take it—it won’t let you down under any circumstances.
3. Oksana. To be honest, I expected better results from Imodium. I took it in lozenges. The taste is nothing like that, certainly not bitter. Diarrhea can not be stopped. Maybe they do work somehow, but very slowly. You have to wait 40 minutes, or even longer.

Patients who have used Imodium give mostly positive reviews, indicating its effectiveness. After the first dose, the patients' condition improves significantly. Many people approve of the tablets for their form of administration - resorption. Patients practically do not talk about adverse reactions after using the product. Negative reviews are associated with the tangible cost of the medicine, which prompts many to turn to analogues.

special instructions

Features of the pharmacokinetics of the active substance of the drug determined the presence of the following special instructions:

The medication must be stopped if bloating or constipation occurs; diarrhea may be accompanied by a decrease in electrolyte levels and hypovolemia, which should be compensated by replacement treatment to replenish fluid and electrolytes; if there is no clinically significant effect within two days, treatment is stopped to clarify the diagnosis; treatment of diarrhea with Imodium is symptomatic, so you should try to combine the drug with the use of etiotropic drugs; if the drug is used by a patient with AIDS, then the first symptoms of bloating are a reason to stop therapy; in some cases, with colitis of viral and bacterial origin in patients with AIDS, taking Imodium may be accompanied by a toxic expansion of the colon; treatment should be accompanied by replenishment of fluid in the body and adherence to a diet; the tablets have a fragile structure, so they must be removed from the package with care; During the period of treatment, you must refrain from performing activities that require concentration (driving a car).

Imodium tablets for diarrhea and diarrhea: instructions for use

Every person who has ever suffered from diarrhea knows how important it is to have tablets on hand that can quickly eliminate this very unpleasant phenomenon. After all, diarrhea is not only debilitating, but also a very dangerous condition that can lead to dehydration. Imodium for diarrhea is more expensive than similar drugs, but it can relieve all symptoms in a short time. And this is important, because diarrhea disrupts the usual way of life and interferes with social communication. For example, it is difficult to sit quietly at a performance or learn to drive a car if you have to go to the toilet every 10-15 minutes. It turns out that the cost of the drug is the price of a calm and measured life.

General characteristics of the drug

Most often, the home medicine cabinet contains Imodium lozenges for diarrhea, although this drug is also available in the form of gelatin capsules, solution and classic tablets.

The active ingredient of this medication is loperamide. And although other medications of this drug group contain the same active substance, Imodium lozenges for diarrhea begin to act faster, even at the stage of being in the oral cavity.

Loperamide binds to special receptors on the intestinal walls, thereby reducing the tone and peristalsis of the smooth muscles of the organ. Due to the slowdown of peristalsis, the time period for the passage of intestinal contents increases. The active substance helps to increase sphincter tone, as a result of which feces are retained and the urge to defecate occurs infrequently. The drug begins to act almost immediately after ingestion, and the therapeutic effect lasts up to 6 hours.

The tablets have a pleasant mint taste, so even children can easily take them.

Indications for use

Imodium for diarrhea is not prescribed by a doctor in all cases. Indications are loose stools, which are caused by the following factors:

• allergic;
• psychological;
• medicinal;
• radial.

In addition, Imodium is also taken for diarrhea, which is caused by a sharp change in diet, deterioration of intestinal motility and absorption, as well as to stabilize stool in people with an ileostomy.

Imodium for poisoning and infectious diseases of the digestive organs can only be prescribed in complex therapy. This drug alone will not give any effect in such cases.

You should not take antidiarrheals immediately if you have poisoning or rotavirus. In this case, the removal of toxins slows down and recovery is delayed.

Contraindications

The drug has certain contraindications that cannot be ignored, these include:

• special sensitivity to individual ingredients that are included in the medication;
• volvulus;
• ulcerative colitis in the acute stage;
• diverticulosis;
• pseudomembranous enterocolitis;
• dysentery, salmonellosis, botulism and other infectious diseases;
• first 3 months of pregnancy;
• Breastfeeding period.

In addition, children from 2 years of age can take Imodium only in the form of a solution, and children from 5 years of age are allowed lozenges.

Use for infectious diseases

Although the instructions for use state that the drug is not effective for infectious diseases of the digestive tract, doctors sometimes prescribe Imodium for the treatment of such pathologies.

For dysentery, salmonellosis or rotavirus, this medication is most often prescribed not from the first day of the disease, but during the recovery process. As part of complex therapy, imodium promotes:

• restoration of normal motor skills;
• increasing the time stool remains in the intestines, thereby improving the absorption of nutrients;
• reducing the tone of the anus, due to which the urge to lower down occurs less frequently.

If there is a suspicion of an infectious intestinal disease, you should not start taking an antidiarrheal drug from the first day of illness. There will be no effect; on the contrary, toxic substances will remain in the body, slowing down recovery.

Dosage of the drug

The instructions for use describe in great detail the method of administration and dosage depending on the age and severity of the condition. In this case, the capsules are swallowed whole, ordinary tablets are placed on the tongue, they completely disintegrate in a few minutes, the solution is dripped into a small volume of water, and the lozenges are slowly dissolved in the oral cavity.

For severe diarrhea, adults are prescribed 4 mg of the drug, then drink 2 mg after each loose stool. We must not forget that the maximum permissible daily dose should not be more than 16 mg.

If the medication is prescribed in solution, then the starting dose for an adult is 60 drops. After this, drink 30 drops after each loose bowel movement. The permissible daily dosage should not exceed 180 drops.

If diarrhea is chronic, then adults are recommended to drink 4 mg of imodium per day.

For loose stools in children over 5 years of age, the medicine is prescribed in a starting dose of 2 mg, after which the same volume of the drug is given after each bowel movement. The daily volume should not exceed 8 mg.

If the medicine is prescribed in drops, then the child is first given 30 drops, after which the same amount of solution is given 3 more times a day. The daily dose should not be more than 120 drops in 4 doses.

For chronic diarrhea, children over 5 years of age are prescribed 30 drops per day. Children from 2 to 5 years old are prescribed 5 ml of solution for every 10 kg of weight, which is 1 measuring container. Usually this dose is given up to 3 times a day. If the urge to go down does not occur within 12 hours or the stool has become formed, the drug is discontinued.

In exceptional cases, imodium drops can also be prescribed to children under 2 years of age. In this case, the dosage is calculated individually by the attending physician.

Side effects

Imodium has quite a few possible side effects, these include the following conditions:

• Allergic skin rashes, atypical drowsiness, persistent dizziness and electrolyte imbalance in the body.
• A feeling of dryness in the mouth, intestinal colic, a feeling of discomfort in the abdomen, nausea, vomiting, constipation and bloating.
• Sometimes there may be prolonged urinary retention, and even more rarely, intestinal obstruction.

When sucking mint tablets, burning and itching of the tongue may occur. Side effects do not occur in all patients who take Imodium, but only in a small percentage. But if any health problems occur, the drug should be immediately discontinued and a doctor should be consulted to adjust the treatment.

Overdose and its treatment

An overdose of a drug is possible in only a few cases:

1. If a person self-medicates and does not know how much medicine to take.
2. If a child finds abandoned pills and mistakes them for candy.
3. If a person tries to get rid of diarrhea faster and deliberately overestimates the prescribed dose.

If too much medication has been taken, intoxication of the entire body occurs, which is manifested by the following symptoms:

• coordination of movements is impaired, the person falls into a stupor;
• there is abnormal drowsiness and muscle weakness;
• blood pressure increases;
• respiratory depression occurs.

In case of severe drug poisoning, intestinal obstruction is possible.

Treatment of overdose comes down to gastric lavage, taking adsorbents and administering an antidote. The antidote to imodium is naloxone, which is administered at the first sign of an overdose. It should be borne in mind that the therapeutic effect of naloxone is shorter than that of imodium, so it is recommended to re-administer it after some time.

The patient after an overdose requires constant monitoring, as late complications may develop.

If a child is poisoned by an antidiarrheal drug, immediately call an ambulance or take the child to the hospital on their own. Children have weak immunity and internal organs are not fully formed, so the consequences of a medication overdose can be unpredictable.

Features of application

To ensure that treatment with Imodium is as effective as possible, you should adhere to certain recommendations:

1. If after two days of taking an antidiarrheal drug there is no improvement, you need to consult a doctor to clarify the diagnosis. A series of tests may be necessary to determine whether an infection is causing the diarrhea.
2. It is not advisable for small children under the age of 5 to be prescribed medicine in capsules. In this case, it is better to prescribe a solution or lozenges.
3. If side effects such as constipation or severe bloating occur, treatment with the drug should be stopped.
4. In those patients who suffer from chronic liver diseases, the functions of the central nervous system must be constantly monitored.
5. When treating diarrhea, it is very important to organize plenty of drinking to replenish lost fluid. In addition, it is recommended to take rehydron solution or rice water to replenish electrolytes in the body.
6. When treating with imodium, you should be careful when working with precision machinery or driving a car. During this period, concentration and overall reaction may be slightly reduced.

It is strictly forbidden to take Imodium in any form after the expiration date. Neglecting this rule can lead to severe forms of poisoning.

All medications in the home medicine cabinet are regularly reviewed and medications with expired expiration dates are thrown away.

Features of the use of medicine for diarrhea in children

Although all adults know that they can start giving any medications to children only with the permission of a doctor, many parents self-medicate. This is strictly forbidden, as there may be a significant deterioration in health. When treating children with imodium, the following rules must be observed:

• When calculating the dosage for a child, be sure to pay the pediatrician’s attention to the exact weight and age of the little patient.
• If the drug is prescribed in drops, then carefully measure the required dose, and then dilute it in a teaspoon of water and only then give it to the child.
• For young children, if they refuse to take the medicine, you can dilute the drops in a spoon of juice or tea.
• Lozenges can be given to children who have already reached 5 years of age.

It must be remembered that all medicines must be stored out of the reach of small children. Imodium tablets have a pleasant taste and smell, so they should not be left in a visible place to avoid poisoning. Kids may well mistake them for candy.

Interaction with other drugs

The effectiveness of Imodium may be reduced if a person takes cholestyramine at the same time. When an antidiarrheal agent is taken with trimoxazole or ritonavir, the bioavailability of imodium is increased. This occurs due to inhibition of its metabolism during the initial passage through liver cells.

If diarrhea manifests itself at the most inopportune moment, do not be upset. Imodium can quickly stop this unpleasant phenomenon and restore the joy of life to a person. But you need to remember that this drug is effective only if the diarrhea is not caused by infections. Otherwise, it can only be prescribed in complex treatment, together with other drugs. It is advisable to start taking Imodium only after being examined by a doctor and passing all the necessary tests.

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How to take Imodium

Imodium capsules are taken orally with water. For other forms of release of the drug there are special instructions:

• Lozenges are placed on the tongue. They dissolve in just a few seconds, after which the drug should be swallowed without washing down.
• Chewable tablets (Imodium Plus) must be thoroughly crushed in the mouth, wait until they are completely wetted with saliva, and then swallow. There is no need to take this form of tablets.

Eating does not affect the effectiveness of this medication, so Imodium can be used at any time when the need arises.

Only a doctor can determine the exact dosage and conditions for using the drug. Self-medication with Imodium is unacceptable.

Drug overdose

If you take the drug without following your doctor's recommendations or self-medicate, an overdose of the active substance may occur. Its signs may be:

• urinary retention;
• intestinal obstruction;
• disorders of the central nervous system (drowsiness, impaired coordination and respiratory function).

If signs of overdose appear, consult a doctor. You can call the ambulance station and, having described the symptoms and previous medication use, get an initial consultation over the phone.

Usually the drug Naloxone-M is used as an antidote. But only a medical professional can determine its dosage and frequency of administration.

Naloxone-M acts as an antidote to loperamide and is used in cases of overdose of the latter

Table: side effects from using Imodium

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRUG

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 addition to the main component, the drug contains additional substances:

• lactose;
• corn starch;
• talc;
• magnesium stearate;
• iron oxide;
• titanium dioxide;
• indigo carmine;
• aspartame;
• gelatin;
• sodium bicarbonate;
• mint or vanilla flavoring;
• Simethicone

Depending on the form of release, the composition of the excipients may differ slightly, but the dosage of loperamide hydrochloride remains the same - two milligrams in each tablet and capsule. In some cases, the medicine can be used in the form of drops or a solution; this form is especially relevant for children.

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.

Indications for use

Imodium is prescribed for the symptomatic treatment of diarrhea, i.e. the drug does not affect the cause of the pathology that has arisen, but only counteracts the unpleasant sign of the disease:

• allergic diarrhea;
• upset bowel movements due to emotional reasons;
• loose stools as a side effect of taking other medications;
• radiation diarrhea;
• when changing diet and diet composition;
• in case of disruption of absorption processes in the small intestine;
• for infectious diarrhea - only as an adjuvant;
• in patients with ileostomy - to regulate stool frequency.

How to take Imodium

According to the instructions, before starting therapy, it is recommended to agree on the Imodium treatment regimen with your doctor. For acute manifestations of diarrhea, the initial dose for an adult patient is two capsules, the child dosage is one capsule. Further dosing depends on the individual characteristics of the diarrheal disorder and is based on the fact that as a result of use the number of bowel movements per day is one or two. The manufacturer's instructions indicate that the norm is in the range from 1 to 6 capsules (maximum in adults - 8, in children - 3).

The use of tablets has special rules. The tablet must be placed on the tongue and wait until it dissolves, after which the resulting mass is swallowed (do not drink it with water). An acute attack of diarrhea can be treated with two Imodium tablets for adults and one for children over 6 years of age. When the effect is achieved, use should be continued based on the consistency of the stool. If there is liquid stool, the dose will be one tablet.

For chronic diarrhea, the initial dosage is two tablets for adult patients and one for children over 6 years of age. Further, the intake is adjusted individually with the goal that the frequency of stool does not exceed 1-2 times per day. Standard permissible dosage: 1–6 tablets per day, maximum 8. Children's dose is determined based on the child's weight: 3 tablets per 20 kg. If there is no effect from the treatment of acute diarrhea for 2 days or if there is no stool for 12 hours, the drug is discontinued.

Imodium: complete instructions for use of the drug for children under one year of age and older

At the end of 1989, in just two months, 19 cases were registered in the pediatric ward of a provincial hospital in which, as a result of taking drops of imodium produced by Janssen, infants developed severe abdominal edema and intestinal paralysis. Eighteen children were under 7 months of age; another one was 2 years old. Six children died in the hospital, four more were taken home in serious condition, so that, according to the customs of the Pakistani people, they died at home, nine children survived. Two doctors from the hospital wrote to Janssen asking them to withdraw Imodium drops from the market. The company ignored the message. Having not received an answer, the doctors took the only possible path in the conditions of life under the “octopus” - they made the fact public. In February 1990, they publicly, from the pages of the newspaper, appealed to manufacturers with a demand to “remove Imodium from the Pakistani drug market before it kills more children.”

Janssen responded quickly. The firm asked one of the firm's doctors to send more information about the deaths, while issuing a "reassuring" statement saying it was premature to take any action until all the details were clear; that the prescribing information for Imodium clearly states: the medicine should not be used in children under 12 months of age; and that the drops are for prescription use only and should only be used under medical supervision.

By March 1990, it became clear to the “octopus” that since he had made it public, he had to “put a good face on a bad game.” The tandem attempted to create a “parallel reality”: the firm said it had voluntarily withdrawn Imodium Drops from both the Pakistani and global markets, and Pakistan's Federal Ministry of Health said it had banned Imodium Drops and revoked the registration of all other pediatric drugs containing loperamide. Statements were made in official circles and without publicity, but in real life, participants in the pharmaceutical business continued to make profits from the “promoted” medicine. The provincial doctor did not give up. He again wrote to Janssen, saying that several more children had been admitted to hospital with imodium poisoning and calling on the firm to take appropriate action. In May, the doctor managed to attract the attention of a film crew from Yorkshire Television. The British went through pharmacies, found imodium in six out of ten, after which they shot an unvarnished documentary film, capturing how a child died in front of a cameraman. In June 1990, the shocking film was delivered to Johnson & Johnson executives in New Jersey for viewing. After the press session, Johnson & Johnson's vice president of science and technology announced that the company was making every effort to withdraw oral drops from the Pakistani market. The company soon issued a statement: “We have withdrawn Imodium Drops from other developing countries and have suspended their sale worldwide. We are also voluntarily withdrawing imodium syrup from countries where the World Health Organization has a diarrheal disease control program."

Indeed, in most parts of the world, the use of Imodium for the treatment of children has either been banned, or an age limit has been set up to which the drug cannot be used (in Australia, for example, the age limit has been set at 12 years).

But then, as you remember, the collapse of the Union happened, and the omnivorous market of the Russian Federation with an infinitely gullible population and an excellent grasping reflex of officials opened up to child-killing corporations. Children's Imodium-loperamide rushed to us and to this day is one of the most popular children's drugs, and for one-year-old babies. And not only Belgian, but also any other.

Naturally, information about the deadly “side effect” was hidden from Russian mothers. In the 2007 “Directory of Medicines,” for example, only constipation and dizziness are listed as undesirable effects, and even then with “long-term use.”

And here's the most amazing thing. The 2004 Directory states that the drug is intended for the treatment of children aged 5 years and older, and one synonym is indicated. In the “Handbook” for 2007, the dosage of imodium for children aged 1 year and older is indicated, and there are already 20 synonyms (let’s name the German lopedium, the Polish loperamide, the Indian loperacap, the Swiss loperamide-Rivopharm, the American loperamide hydrochloride... there is also a Russian copy of loperamide-Acri ). It turns out that over the past three years, our regulatory agencies that control the pharmaceutical market have lifted the age limit and brought in a deadly drug from all over the world.

What is Imodium

The drug is a very effective long-acting remedy that is prescribed for people with indigestion. Imodium tablets are characterized by a high speed of action: after 4-6 hours, the symptoms of diarrhea of ​​any origin are completely eliminated. However, doctors do not recommend using the drug for some categories of patients. The active substance - loperamide - has a selective effect on the receptors of the intestinal lining, blocking them individually, as a result of which the motility of the organ weakens, the sphincter closes, the production of mucus and the movement of feces slows down.

Despite the fact that the medication brought the expected effect, removing the symptoms of the disorder, the drug did not eliminate its root cause. If the body often empties, then this is its natural reaction to some irritant, which needs to be gotten rid of as soon as possible. Thus, taking Imodium will be justified only in cases where diarrhea does not stop for a long time and the body continues to remove fluid along with waste products. The tablets will help quickly stop diarrhea to prevent dehydration and the associated dangerous consequences.

Features of the use of medicine in children

Imodium is not only not indicated for children 2 years of age and younger, but is also dangerous. This remedy is used only to relieve symptoms. It does not get rid of the provoking factor that caused diarrhea - a dysfunction of the central nervous system or pathogens.

The drug eliminates stool disorder in a short time, while salmonella and other pathogens continue to be in the intestines, where they actively multiply.

The child’s condition deteriorates sharply, symptoms of dehydration and intoxication appear:

• Temperature increase;
• vomit;
• decreased muscle reflexes.

Remember! Prescribing Imodium and using it for the treatment of children if an infection caused by viruses or bacteria develops can provoke extremely serious consequences. Stool disorder, like coughing, is a protective reaction of the body, with the help of which it attempts to remove harmful microbes out.

Treatment of diarrhea caused by infection is possible with the use of less dangerous medications - Smecta, Polyphepan, Enterofuril. In addition, the child needs to be kept on diet food for some time.

It is advisable that its menu include chicken broth, crackers, fruits, juices, and rice boiled in water. In any case, it is recommended to consult a doctor rather than carry out treatment yourself in order to prevent dangerous consequences from occurring.

Instructions for use of Imodium, dosage

Adults and children over 6 years of age. Capsules should be taken with water.

Standard dosages of Imodium according to the instructions for use:

• Acute diarrhea
  - the initial dose for adults is 2 capsules (4 mg), for children - 1 capsule (2 mg). Subsequently, 1 capsule of Imodium (2 mg) is prescribed after each subsequent loose bowel movement.
• When prescribed in drops, the initial dose is 60 drops of a 0.002% solution, then 30 drops after each bowel movement. The maximum dose is 180 drops per day (6 times).
• Chronic diarrhea
  - initial dose for adults - 2 capsules (4 mg), for children - 1 capsule (2 mg) daily. This dose is adjusted so that the frequency of solid bowel movements is 1-2 times a day, which is achieved by taking 1-6 capsules (2-12 mg) daily.
• Drops - initial dose - 30 drops of a 0.002% solution, then 30 drops 3 times a day. Maximum dose - 120 drops per day (in 4 doses).

Application of Imodium for children

For acute diarrhea, children over 5 years of age are prescribed an initial dose of 2 mg, then 2 mg after each act of defecation. The maximum daily dose is 8 mg.

For chronic diarrhea, children over 5 years of age are prescribed the drug in a daily dose of 30 drops or 2 mg. Children aged 2-5 years are prescribed in an oral solution of 5 ml (1 measuring cap) per 10 kg. The frequency of administration is 2-3 times a day.

The maximum daily dose is 6 mg per 20 kg. If normal stool appears or if there is no stool for more than 12 hours, the drug is discontinued.

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.

Side effects

The instructions warn about the possibility of developing the following side effects when prescribing Imodium:

• Central and peripheral nervous system: drowsiness, fatigue, dizziness;
• Digestive system: dry mouth, bloating and/or constipation, intestinal colic, abdominal discomfort or pain, vomiting, nausea; very rarely - intestinal obstruction;
• Allergic reactions: skin rash;
• Other: tingling or burning sensation of the tongue (appears immediately after taking the drug in the form of lozenges); rarely – urinary retention.

Contraindications

Imodium is contraindicated in the following cases:

• pseudomembranous enterocolitis (diarrhea associated with antibiotics);
• acute ulcerative colitis;
• acute dysentery and other infections of the gastrointestinal tract (caused, including shigella spp., salmonella spp., campylobacter spp.);
• diverticulosis;
• intestinal obstruction (including in cases where suppression of peristalsis is not recommended);
• 1st trimester of pregnancy and period of breastfeeding (lactation);
• age up to 6 years;
• hypersensitivity to the components of the drug.

Should be used with caution in patients with liver failure. In the II-III trimesters of pregnancy, Imodium can be taken only in cases where the expected benefit to the health of the mother is higher than the potential risk to the fetus

In the II-III trimesters of pregnancy, Imodium can be taken only in cases where the expected benefit to the health of the mother is higher than the potential risk to the fetus.

Overdose

In case of an overdose, symptoms of central nervous system depression may appear: stupor, drowsiness, loss of coordination, miosis, muscle hypertonicity, etc. In addition, urinary retention and a set of symptoms reminiscent of intestinal obstruction are possible.

Children when taking the drug are more sensitive to the effects on the central nervous system.

Naloxone can be used as an antidote. It may need to be reapplied as Imodium lasts longer. To identify possible symptoms of overdose, the patient should be observed for two days. Treatment is symptomatic. Gastric lavage and the use of activated carbon are possible.

Treatment regimen

Instructions for the use of Imodium for children 3 years of age and younger limit the use of the antidiarrheal drug. You can use the medicine:

• from 4 years old in the form of tablets;
• from 6 years in capsule form.

The initial dosage recommended by pediatricians is 2 mg. After each act of defecation, a repeated dose is taken, but the daily dose should not exceed 6 mg. The use of Imodium should be discontinued if the frequency of bowel movements has noticeably decreased or if there are no bowel movements for 12 hours.

Permissions and prohibitions for use

The medicine is sold in pharmacies without a doctor's prescription. For Imodium diarrhea tablets, the price depends on the form of release and starts at 165 rubles. Before starting treatment for diarrhea, the manufacturer recommends that you read the accompanying leaflet for the drug. The active ingredient is Loperamide.

The main purpose of the medicine is to quickly stop unpleasant symptoms when the gastrointestinal tract is unstable. In some cases, the medication is included in the complex therapy of diarrhea as an adjuvant.

The drug is recommended for use:

• for acute and chronic diarrhea;
• dysbacteriosis, irritable bowel syndrome;
• diarrhea of ​​allergic, psychological origin;
• intestinal dysfunction during travel;
• gastrointestinal disorders due to changes in habitual nutrition and eating patterns;
• with an installed ileostomy - to normalize the functioning of the intestinal tract.

The medicine is also used for gastrointestinal disorders during radiation therapy or chemotherapy. Imodium anti-diarrhea tablets are prohibited for use under the following conditions:

• intolerance to the component composition of the drug;
• for children under 6 years of age, in the first trimester of pregnancy and for nursing women;
• diverticulosis, pseudomembranous enterocolitis;
• for acute intestinal disorders, including dysentery;
• ulcerative colitis, salmonellosis, shigellosis and damage by other intestinal bacteria.

Important! The medication is not recommended for patients prone to constipation and with a high risk of developing intestinal obstruction.

History of the drug IMODIUM®

The active ingredient of the drug, Loperamide, was synthesized in Belgium in 1973 by Nobel Prize winner Dr. Paul Janssen. In the USA in 1973, the drug was patented, and it became known under the brand name IMODIUM®.

In November 1993, using Zydis technology, IMODIUM® was developed in the form of lozenges. At the moment, it is the only drug containing Loperamide in this form (among its analogues).

In 2013, the drug in the form of 2 mg tablets was included in the WHO List of Vital and Essential Medicines.

www.imodium.ru

Treatment of chronic diarrhea

When treating chronic diarrhea, adults are prescribed an initial dose of 2 tablets, for a total of 4 mg per day. The dose should be adjusted based on the individual characteristics of the individual patient’s body, as well as the degree of improvement. The most favorable result is considered to be when the urge to defecate occurs no more than twice a day. Take from 1 to 6 tablets during the day. For acute and chronic forms of diarrhea, it is recommended that adults take up to 8 tablets per day. If stool has returned to normal or is absent for more than 12 hours, the drug should be discontinued.

Tablet dosage regimen

An adult is recommended to take 2 tablets

Initially - two for an adult and one for a child. Subsequently, one after each bowel movement. For prolonged diarrhea, first two tablets per day for adults, one for children.

This dose is then individually changed so that stool occurs once or twice a day, this can be achieved with a maintenance dose of up to six tablets per day.

In a child with diarrhea, the dose is calculated based on body weight. Up to eight tablets per day. If normal stool appears or is absent for 12 hours or more, the drug is discontinued.

If diarrhea has not gone away after 12 hours, you should immediately contact a medical facility.

Benefits of Imodium

The medicine for the treatment of diarrhea has the same therapeutic medical effect as regular diarrhea tablets, but at the same time has a number of properties:

1. Dissolves under the influence of saliva.
2. Does not require drinking.
3. Does not cause problems with swallowing.
4. Convenient to use.

Overdose

Symptoms: depression of the central nervous system (CNS): 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: symptomatic treatment: gastric lavage, activated charcoal (no later than 3 hours after taking IMODIUM®), artificial ventilation. The antidote is naloxone. Since the duration of action of IMODIUM® is longer than that of naloxone (1–3 hours), repeated administration of the latter may be necessary. To detect possible CNS depression, the patient should be closely monitored for at least 48 hours.

The composition of Imodium and its effect

Loperamide, which is part of the drug, takes effect an hour after use. The active substance of the drug (Loperamide) is easily excreted from the intestines, completely absorbed by the liver and excreted in the bile. In the USA in 1973, the drug was patented and it became known under the brand name IMODIUM®. At the moment, it is the only drug containing Loperamide in this form (among its analogues).

Find out more about the drug IMODIUM®, the principle of its action and the history of the drug’s appearance in the world and in Ukraine. IMODIUM® should be used to treat acute and chronic diarrhea and in cases of traveler's diarrhea. If symptoms persist for more than 48 hours, you should consult a doctor. To establish a diagnosis and prescribe a course of treatment, you must consult a doctor.

Imodium dosage

Treatment of acute diarrhea

For children over 5 years of age, the initial dose is 1 capsule, then 1 capsule should be prescribed after each bowel movement if diarrhea occurs.

Treatment of chronic diarrhea

For children over 5 years of age, the initial dose is 1 capsule per day, then the dose is increased to 6 capsules per day. The drug should be prescribed based on the frequency of stool, which ultimately should not be more than twice a day. Usually, when prescribing the medicine in a dose of 1 capsule to 6 capsules, normalization of stool is achieved. The maximum dose required for administration during the day should be prescribed taking into account the child’s body weight, with 3 capsules prescribed per 20 kg of total body weight.

Reception features

Fast-acting tablets for diarrhea Imodium in adults give the desired result if you follow the recommendations from the manufacturer:

1. The maximum allowable waiting time for the gastrointestinal function to normalize is 48 hours.

   If, after the end of the period, symptomatic manifestations continue, the patient should seek professional help at the clinic.
2. Therapy is stopped if increased gas formation with bloating or constipation occurs . Diarrhea provokes large losses of fluid; during treatment, the patient must replenish its deficiency regularly. To solve the problem of failure in electrolyte balance, dehydration solutions are used in parallel with Imodium - Regidron, etc.
3. The drug affects the speed of reactions - work related to driving a car or moving machinery should be carried out with extreme caution.
4. Patients with HIV infection who use the drug to stop diarrhea are prohibited from continuing treatment if there is increased gas formation. The sources indicate isolated cases of the formation of toxic megacolon, an infectious form of colitis of viral and bacterial origin in patients with AIDS.

Useful information: Boiled, fried or raw: in what form can you eat eggs if you have diarrhea?

There is no information about unusual reactions to Imodium therapy in patients with liver dysfunction. The medicine is used with extreme caution due to the high risk of overdose and toxic damage to the central nervous system. The peculiarity is associated with slow first-pass metabolism.

Active ingredient IMODIUM® - Loperamide

Loperamide, which is part of the drug IMODIUM®, begins to act an hour after use. The maximum effect can be achieved after 4–6 hours. Adults and children over 6 years of age can take IMODIUM®. It is used to treat chronic and acute diarrhea, including cases of traveler's diarrhea. The active substance of the drug (Loperamide) is easily excreted from the intestines, completely absorbed by the liver and excreted in the bile. The average half-life is 9–14 hours.

Imodium

Imodium ®

(lat.
Imodium
® ) is an antidiarrheal drug.
The active substance
is loperamide.
Imodium comes in two dosage forms
: capsules and lozenges, also called lingual tablets. One capsule or lozenge contains 2 mg of loperamide.

Excipients:

• Imodium in capsules:
  lactose, corn starch, talc, magnesium stearate;
  capsule shell:
  titanium dioxide, iron oxides yellow and black, sodium indigotin disulfonate, gelatin, sodium erythrosine
• Imodium in lozenges:
  gelatin, mannitol, aspartame, mint flavor, sodium bicarbonate

Imodium (lomeramide) is an effective remedy for acute diarrhea of ​​a non-infectious nature, as well as for infectious diarrhea of ​​mild and moderate severity.
Imodium (lomeramide) is the drug of choice for the treatment of traveler's diarrhea. The effect of Imodium occurs quickly and lasts 4-6 hours. Imodium inhibits intestinal motility, increases the tone of the anal sphincter, thereby reducing the urge to defecate and retains feces in the rectum. The active substance of Imodium, loperamide, stimulates opioid mu receptors in the intestinal wall, resulting in inhibition of the release of acetylcholine and prostaglandins, which, in turn, leads to a decrease in propulsive intestinal motility and an increase in the transit time of its contents. This increases the absorption time of water and electrolytes, reduces their loss and reduces the loss and increases the time of the protective action of immunoglobulins, which are released into the intestinal lumen during acute intestinal diarrhea. Loperamide increases the tone of the anal sphincter, resulting in a decrease in the frequency and severity of the urge to defecate. Loperamide reduces mucus hypersecretion in the colon, and also has an antisecretory effect, which is realized through both opioid and non-opioid receptors. The active substance Imodium loperamide, due to the inhibition of calmodulin and blockade of calcium channels and due to the suppression of intestinal peptides and neurotransmitters that increase the permeability of plasma membranes, affects intestinal secretion (Ivashkin V.T.).

Imodium (lomeramide) is currently the most effective drug with antidiarrheal action, and its antidiarrheal effect is due to inhibition of both the motor component of diarrhea and intestinal secretion. Loperamide belongs to the group of synthetic opiates, but binds only to peripheral opiate receptors, does not have a systemic narcotic effect and does not penetrate the blood-brain barrier. This is explained by the peculiarities of its biotransformation during the first passage through the liver and the absence of active metabolites in the blood. Imodium can be successfully used for motor diarrhea with increased peristalsis (irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and functional diarrhea), but is not effective for diabetic enteropathy, scleroderma, amyloidosis. Moreover, in these situations it can worsen diarrhea. For secretory diarrhea, Imodium is also very effective due to its antisecretory opiate-like effect. For infectious diarrhea, Imodium should be prescribed with caution, since the retention of the infectious agent in the body increases diarrhea and intoxication. Imodium relieves diarrhea well in Crohn's disease, but it is not recommended for use in ulcerative colitis due to its blocking effect on the tone of the intestinal wall and the risk of developing toxic dilatation (Belousova E.A., Zlatkina A.R.).

Professional medical publications addressing the effects of Imodium on the gastrointestinal tract

:

• Belousova E.A., Zlatkina A.R. Diarrhea syndrome in the practice of a gastroenterologist: pathophysiology and differentiated approach to treatment // Farmateka. – 2003. – No. 10. – p. 65–71.
• The FDA warns of serious cardiac problems with high doses of the antidiarrheal drug loperamide (Imodium), including abuse and misuse. June 7, 2016
• FDA limits packaging size for antidiarrheal drug loperamide (Imodium) to increase safety of its use FDA limits packaging size for antidiarrheal drug loperamide (Imodium) to increase safety of its use. January 30, 2019

Indications for use:

• non-infectious diarrhea of ​​various forms and different origins: acute and chronic, allergic, emotional, medicinal, radiation, due to changes in diet and type of food, due to metabolic and absorption disorders
• infectious diarrhea (as an adjuvant)
• regulation of stool in patients with ileostomy

Method of administration and dosage:
orally (capsules - without chewing, with water; lingual tablet - on the tongue, it disintegrates within a few seconds, after which it is swallowed with saliva, without water). For acute diarrhea, adults are prescribed an initial dose of 2 capsules or tablets (4 mg of lomeramide); then, in the case of liquid feces, after each act of defecation - 1 tablet or capsule; the highest daily dose is 4 tablets or capsules (16 mg lomeramide). For chronic diarrhea, adults are prescribed 2 capsules or tablets per day. The maximum daily dose is 4 tablets or capsules (16 mg lomeramide). For acute diarrhea, children over 5 years of age are prescribed an initial dose of 1 tablet or capsule, then 1 tablet or capsule after each bowel movement; the maximum daily dose is 4 tablets or capsules (8 mg lomeramide). For chronic diarrhea, children over 5 years of age are prescribed Imodium in a daily dose of 1 tablet or capsule. If normal stool appears or if there is no stool for more than 12 hours, the drug is discontinued (Instructions for use).

For acute diarrhea, it is preferable to use Imodium in the form of lozenges. Such a tablet dissolves on the tongue within 2 - 3 seconds, the required concentration in the body is achieved within one hour, which is faster than when using other dosage forms. The lozenge does not require drinking water and can be used in patients with difficulty swallowing and an increased gag reflex.

For chronic diarrhea, for IBS, Imodium capsules are prescribed.

Contraindications:

• hypersensitivity to the components of the drug
• intestinal obstruction
• diverticulosis
• acute ulcerative colitis
• pregnancy (first trimester)
• breastfeeding period
• diarrhea due to pseudomembranous enterocolitis, dysentery and other gastrointestinal infections
• children up to 2 years of age (for capsules - up to 6 years)

The WHO position on the treatment of diarrhea in children with drugs that inhibit intestinal motility:
WHO Training Manual “Treatment of Diarrhea”, 2006, notes that Imodium, as “... and other inhibitors of intestinal motility can reduce the frequency of bowel movements in adults. However, they are unable to significantly reduce stool volume in young children. Moreover, they can cause severe paralytic ileus, which can be fatal, and such drugs can prolong the period of infection by delaying the excretion of pathogens. Sedation can be achieved at normal therapeutic doses, and fatal central nervous system toxicity has been reported with some drugs. None of these drugs should be given to infants and children with diarrhea."

special instructions

:

• if there is no effect after 2 days of treatment, it is necessary to clarify the diagnosis and exclude infectious genesis of diarrhea
• If constipation or bloating develops during treatment, Imodium should be discontinued.
• in patients with impaired liver function, careful monitoring for signs of toxic damage to the central nervous system is necessary
• During the treatment of diarrhea, it is necessary to replace the loss of fluid and electrolytes

Side effects.
Allergic reactions (skin rash), drowsiness, dizziness, hypovolemia, electrolyte disturbances; dry mouth, intestinal colic, gastralgia, abdominal pain or discomfort, nausea, vomiting, constipation, flatulence. Rarely - urinary retention, extremely rarely - intestinal obstruction. When taking lozenges - a burning or tingling sensation in the tongue (Instructions for the drug).

Overdose.

• Symptoms:
  central nervous system depression (stupor, impaired coordination of movements, drowsiness, miosis, muscle hypertension, respiratory depression), intestinal obstruction.
• Treatment:
  antidote - naloxone; Given that the duration of action of loperamide is longer than that of naloxone, repeated administration of the latter is possible. Symptomatic treatment, activated carbon, gastric lavage, mechanical ventilation (Instructions for the drug).

Serious cardiac problems when taking large doses of Imodium
. In its message dated July 6, 2016, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration, USA) warns that taking larger than recommended doses of over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription forms of Imodium, including through abuse or misuse, may lead to to serious cardiac problems that can cause death. The risk of these serious cardiac problems, including arrhythmias, may be increased if high doses of Imodium are taken with certain drugs that interact with Imodium (see "Examples of Drugs That May Potentially Interact with Imodium" below).

During Imodium therapy, care must be taken when driving.

and other similar activities.

Imodium is an over-the-counter medicine

.

According to the pharmacological index, Imodium belongs to the group “Antidiarrheals”. For ATC - to the group “Drugs that reduce gastrointestinal motility”, code A07DA03.

Price

.
Imodium can be classified as a drug in the middle price category.
As of September 2009, the cost of the drug was at least 25 rubles per tablet or capsule. Imodium plus

- a drug with a complex active substance loperamide + simethicone.
Simethicone absorbs gases in the intestines, eliminates flatulence and promotes faster cessation of diarrhea. Manufacturers of Imodium:

• capsules:
  Janssen-Cilag, Belgium/France, Gedeon Richter, Hungary
• lozenges:
  Janssen-Silag S.A., Belgium, Cardinal Health UK 416, Great Britain

Other brands of drugs with the active substance loperamide: Vero-Loperamide, Diara, Lopedium, Loperacap, Loperamide, Loperamide-Acri, Loperamide hydrochloride, Superilop, Enterobene. Back to section

Release form, composition and therapeutic effect

Imodium is sold in the form of chewable tablets and capsules . Its analogue is also Loperamide for children. They contain loperamide hydrochloride. The volume of the active substance is 2 milligrams. There are also additional components in the form of mannitol, gelatin, flavoring, and sodium bicarbonate.

Loperamide is often prescribed to children. The thing is that this drug has a pronounced antidiarrheal effect. After consuming a tablet or capsule, the effect occurs after 15-30 minutes, and lasts up to 6 hours.

Under the influence of the active substance, a decrease in the motor function of the intestinal canal and an increase in the duration of passage of feces through the digestive tract are observed. In addition to all this, there is an increase in the muscle tone of the anal sphincter.

Imodium during pregnancy

Imodium during pregnancy: indications

The drug is indicated for the symptomatic treatment of acute and chronic diarrhea.

Imodium during pregnancy: contraindications

• Age less than 6 years.
• Hypersensitivity to the components of the drug.
• First trimester of pregnancy.
• Lactation period.

In addition, the drug should not be taken by patients with the following diagnoses:

• phenylketonuria;
• acute dysentery;
• ulcerative colitis in the acute stage;
• bacterial enterocolitis;
• pseudomembranous colitis.

Imodium is not used if slowing down intestinal perilstatics is undesirable due to the risk of all sorts of complications.

Imodium during pregnancy: principle of action

In a healthy person, the intestines absorb 99% of water, however, with diarrhea, it loses this ability and hence loose stools occur.

Imodium is aimed at combating the main symptoms of diarrhea:

• normalizes the intestinal absorption of water and salts;
• reduces the level of fluid secretion into the intestinal lumen;
• normalizes intestinal perilstatics.

The main active ingredient of the drug Imodium is Loperamide. It begins to act approximately an hour after administration, the maximum effect is achieved within 4-6 hours. It is prescribed to adults and children over 6 years of age.

Imodium during pregnancy: side effects

The manufacturer claims that all side effects are extremely rare, and among them are:

• intestinal obstruction;
• anaphylactic reactions;
• itching, urticaria;
• loss of coordination, depression of consciousness, drowsiness;
• urinary retention;
• fatigue.

Diarrhea in pregnant women

The causes of diarrhea in pregnant women are varied: from poisoning with stale food to enzyme deficiency. Often in the early stages, diarrhea occurs as a symptom of toxicosis and torments a woman along with morning nausea and vomiting.

In any case, doctors consider diarrhea a serious and dangerous symptom and advise getting rid of it.

The accelerated movement of food through the gastrointestinal tract leads to the loss of nutrients and minerals that are so necessary for both the woman and the baby, and the pregnant woman’s body also wastes digestive juice.

As a result of diarrhea, the electrolyte balance in the body is disrupted, blood thickening, dehydration, increased blood pressure, weakness and general deterioration occur.

Features of the use of imodium for the treatment of children

As you know, a child’s body differs from an adult’s in many ways. A growing and developing organism requires especially careful treatment during the treatment process. It should also be taken into account that the use of Imodium is not recommended for children under 5 years of age, including if it is necessary to treat diarrhea. Children over 5 years of age may be prescribed this drug, but it is important to correctly follow the rules of treatment with Imodium. Usually prescribed 3 capsules per day or 1 tablet containing 2 mg. During treatment, no more than 1 tablet is prescribed if diarrhea occurs. The medicine should be taken after bowel movement. It is also necessary to calculate the exact dose, taking into account the child’s body weight, and Imodium should be prescribed based on the proportion - 3 tablets per 20 kg of the child’s body weight, up to 8 tablets per day, total dose 16 mg.

Briefly about food poisoning and intestinal infections

The drug relieves pain associated with spasms in the intestines. The medicine begins to act within half an hour. Imodium has no effect on pathogenic bacteria. With diarrhea, microbes and their toxic products are present in the intestines.

There is no need to grab Imodium yet if diarrhea occurred due to taking antibiotics - then complications may arise against the background of dysbacteriosis. Imodium or its synonym Loperamide, which costs less, are often found in home or travel first aid kits. They are used by many because they are easy to use. People think that they can resort to these drugs in any case of diarrhea without fear.

Now it is clear that you still need to drink something else against intestinal microbes, or Imodium in extreme cases, if you really are traveling in transport. This drug acts on the intestinal muscles and slows down the movement of its contents. What medicine will quickly and effectively help against diarrhea? In this article you can read the instructions for using the drug against indigestion.

This is a fairly well-known and effective antidiarrheal drug that has found wide use throughout the world. The manufacturer of this drug is Janssen.

However, as for newborns, this drug paralyzes their intestinal muscles. As a result, most children die. A similar tragedy occurred in Pakistan. Many experts argue that children's Imodium should no longer be supplied to pharmacies.

That’s when many people pull out pre-stocked Imodium tablets or other drugs or its analogues from their purse. But in such situations it is still undesirable to use Imodium. To prevent this from happening, it is better to take Imodium as prescribed by a doctor, despite the fact that this drug is sold in pharmacies without a prescription.

merotudly.ru

INSTRUCTIONS Imodium

INDICATIONS

Imodium is prescribed for the treatment of diarrhea - acute or chronic, of various origins.

IMODIUM METHOD OF APPLICATION

For adults, the initial dose of the drug is 2 capsules, for children over 5 years old - 1 capsule. Further, for residual symptoms of diarrhea, use one capsule, no more than 6 times a day.

How long does it take for Imodium to work after taking it?

The effect of Imodium begins within 1 hour after administration and lasts up to 8 hours.

IMODIUM CONTRAINDICATIONS

Imodium is contraindicated in dysentery, various colitis, including ulcerative colitis and enterocolitis. Imodium is also contraindicated in cases of intestinal obstruction, constipation, and pathologies with impaired intestinal motility. For nursing mothers and during pregnancy, Imodium is used only as prescribed by a doctor.

Can Imodium be used for children?

At what age can it be taken?

Imodium is not prescribed to children under 5 years of age and

SIDE EFFECTS

When taking Imodium, the following are possible: headache, intestinal obstruction, nausea, abdominal pain, allergic reactions.

IMODIUM IN PREGNANCY AND BREASTFEEDING

IMODIUM IN EARLY PREGNANCY

Imodium is used during pregnancy with great caution, only as prescribed by a doctor. In the early stages of pregnancy, taking Imodium is strictly prohibited. Imodium is contraindicated during lactation; therefore, if taken, a nursing mother should temporarily stop breastfeeding

OVERDOSE

In case of overdose, possible: loss or confusion of consciousness, respiratory depression, convulsive state. The use of an antidote, Naloxone, is indicated.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

For children of primary school age, Imodium should be used with caution. Imodium is not recommended for use by persons whose activities require increased attention.

STORAGE CONDITIONS

Imodium should be stored at room temperature, out of the reach of children.

medaptechka.net

Contraindications to the use of Imodium

Before taking the drug, the patient is recommended to read the instructions for use in detail, because both tablets and capsules have a number of contraindications:

1. Intestinal infections.
2. Intestinal obstruction or suspicion of it.
3. Ulcerative inflammation.
4. Diarrhea due to taking antibiotics.
5. Age up to six years.
6. Intolerance to components.
7. Breastfeeding time.
8. Early pregnancy.

This medicine should be used with caution in patients with liver problems.

Side effect

This drug is more or less well tolerated by patients, but in isolated cases side effects are possible.

1. From the digestive system - constipation, increased gas formation, pain in the abdominal area, intestinal cramps, vomiting, dry mouth.
2. From the central nervous system - fatigue, weakness, drowsiness.
3. Allergy.

In isolated cases, it is quite difficult to determine the relationship between taking loperamide and the existence of the above-mentioned symptoms. In addition, because medical studies are conducted in different settings, the incidence of adverse reactions in clinical trials of one drug cannot be compared with the incidence of adverse reactions of another substance and may not reflect the incidence of adverse reactions in medical practice.

Use during pregnancy

In the early stages of pregnancy, the drug is not recommended, since at this moment all the organs of the fetus are formed, and drug exposure can disrupt the process. Then the use of the drug is possible only if the expected benefit is greater than the risk for the baby.

The active substance can penetrate into milk, so the drug is not used during breastfeeding.

Overdose

When taking increased doses of a substance, an overdose may occur, which is manifested by the following symptoms:

1. A depressed state of the central nervous system is characterized by clouding of consciousness, movement disorders, lethargy, apathy, and weakness.
2. Impaired respiratory function.
3. Development of intestinal obstruction.

Children most often show signs of overdose. Treatment includes emergency gastric lavage; the patient is given activated charcoal or other enterosorbents. If necessary, treatment is carried out, and if breathing is difficult, artificial ventilation is performed. Naloxone is a kind of antidote, but it can help if no more than three hours have passed after taking Imodium. The patient must be under medical supervision.

No data were found on the relationship of Imodium with other medications.

special instructions

If you experience discomfort in the abdominal area, you should stop using the medicine. During diarrhea, dehydration occurs in the body; treatment should be directed toward fluid replacement.

If blood is present in the excrement, the drug should be discontinued.

In patients with immunodeficiency, treatment should be carried out under strict control; if signs of swelling are observed, the drug should be discontinued. To maintain the body during treatment, the patient needs to drink a lot of water and take special food.

Imodium belongs to the category of over-the-counter drugs. It should be kept away from children. Shelf life up to five years. Do not use after expiration date.

When is hospital treatment required?

It is not always possible to treat a disease accompanied by diarrhea at home. In case of severe dehydration, risk of miscarriage, or severe concomitant diseases, the doctor may suggest that the pregnant woman go to the hospital. This measure allows for constant medical supervision, which in such cases is often simply necessary. Urgently seeking medical help and emergency hospitalization may be necessary if:

• severe abdominal pain of any localization;
• blood in stool;
• general lethargy.

The standard clinical indications for inpatient treatment are moderate to severe diarrhea accompanied by dehydration. It is also necessary to go to the hospital if therapy at home for 3-4 days does not produce results (the pregnant woman does not get better, symptoms persist).

Important! Even in an outpatient setting, treatment of conditions accompanied by diarrhea should be carried out under the supervision of a physician.

Effective antidiarrheal drugs

How to treat diarrhea that occurs during pregnancy? The most effective medications for stool disorders can be prescribed by the attending physician, who will first collect an anamnesis and analyze the patient’s condition.

After establishing the cause of the unpleasant symptom, the doctor will select a suitable treatment. What remedies should I take to stop the unpleasant symptoms? Below are the most effective medications that can be used to overcome diarrhea in pregnant women.

Lopedium

Lopedium is one of the most affordable drugs that help cope with stool disorders. The tablets will help get rid of both acute and chronic diarrhea of ​​various types:

• emotional,
• medicinal,
• allergic,
• associated with poor quality nutrition.

The action of the drug is aimed at increasing the time it takes for contents to pass through the intestines. Lopedium is an excellent way to treat diarrhea during pregnancy. Lopedium is contraindicated for children under 6 years of age and in the first months of pregnancy. It is also unacceptable to use the drug for salmonellosis and dysentery. The cost of Lipedium is in the range of 15–25 rubles.

Lopedium is one of the most affordable drugs that helps cope with stool disorders

Imodium

Imodium is no less effective. The active ingredient of the drug is loperamide. The tablets allow you to restore the natural rhythms of the intestines and normalize the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). Diarrhea after taking the medication quickly ceases to bother a person.

Having chosen this drug for treatment, you should be sure that the cause of the unpleasant symptom is not an acute intestinal infection. The main advantage of Imodium is considered to be the preservation of useful elements that are usually excreted when stool is upset.

The medicine does an excellent job of slowing down peristaltic contractions and increasing the tone of the anal sphincter, reducing the urge to defecate. Imodium can be taken by pregnant women to get rid of diarrhea. The cost of the drug is in the range of 225–240 rubles. per package.

Enterobene

Enterobene is a tablet containing loperamide hydrochloride. Taken orally with a minimal amount of liquid. Do not chew the tablet! Enterobene is contraindicated in the presence of:

• hypersensitivity;
• intestinal obstruction;
• diverticulosis;
• acute ulcerative colitis;
• pseudomembranous colitis, which was caused by taking a broad-spectrum antibiotic.

Heartburn in the first trimester of pregnancy

After taking the pill, a woman may experience unpleasant side effects, such as:

• attacks of nausea;
• gagging;
• feeling of dryness in the mouth;
• pain in the abdominal area;
• constipation;
• intestinal colic;
• drowsiness and dizziness.

An allergic skin rash and hives may also occur. What else can pregnant women drink to eliminate diarrhea?

Diara helps to increase the tone of the anal sphincter and reduce the urge to defecate

Diara

Diara is a medicine against diarrhea. The main component of the drug binds to opioid receptors of the intestinal wall and helps reduce the tone and motility of intestinal smooth muscles. The drug allows you to slow down peristalsis and increase the time it takes for contents to pass through the intestines. Diara helps to increase the tone of the anal sphincter and reduce the urge to defecate.

It is unacceptable to take pills:

• with increased sensitivity to the components of the medication;
• diverticulosis;
• intestinal obstruction;
• acute phase of ulcerative colitis;
• diarrhea that develops against the background of enterocolitis of the pseudomembranous type;
• when breastfeeding;
• carrying a baby (in the first 3 months).

If you have liver failure, you can drink Diara only under the supervision of your doctor. While taking the medication, side effects of the following types may occur:

• gastralgia;
• allergic rash on the skin;
• intestinal colic.

A woman may also be bothered by constipation, drowsiness, attacks of nausea, vomiting, drowsiness and dizziness. It is very rare, but the development of intestinal obstruction still occurs. Take the tablets only after consulting your doctor. The cost of the medicine is in the range of 95–100 rubles. per package.

Use of imodium during pregnancy and lactation

Despite the positive effect of the drug Imodium on the human body and its almost complete elimination from the body, at the same time it should be noted that it should not be taken without prior consultation with the treating doctor. At the same time, such a drug has certain properties that help prevent diarrhea. Due to the peculiarities of the effect of this drug on the human body, it should be taken with extreme caution. During pregnancy, it is not recommended to take Imodium without first talking with your doctor. Since this drug has strong effects on the body, it may not be entirely safe for a pregnant woman. In any case, Imodium should be taken during pregnancy in exceptional cases when it is impossible to use other drugs to eliminate signs of diarrhea. To avoid risk to the fetus, if it is possible to refuse to take the drug, it should be discontinued. At the same time, when studying the process of the effect of the drug Imodium on the fetus, no information was found, based on which the drug should be taken with extreme caution. Also, as a result of the studies, no information was revealed about loperamide regarding its excretion in milk. At the same time, a small dose of loperamide was found in milk. For this reason, it is not recommended for a nursing mother to take Imodium. Usually, in exceptional cases, Imodium is prescribed in the first trimester of pregnancy.