Imodium (Loperamide Hcl) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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February 9, 2012

Imodium

Travelers' Diarrhea »

Travelers' diarrhea facts

Travelers' diarrhea is a gastrointestinal illness that occurs in travelers.
Travelers' diarrhea usually is caused by eating food contaminated with bacteria or, less commonly, with parasites or viruses.
The treatment of travelers' diarrhea is usually plenty of oral liquids as well as over-the-counter medications that control diarrhea and cramps.
Antibiotic prophylaxis (prevention) for travelers' diarrhea is available but is not recommended generally.
The prognosis of travelers' diarrhea is good. It is rarely fatal, and most cases resolve within a week.

What is travelers' diarrhea?

Travelers' diarrhea is defined by most experts as three or more unformed stools in a 24 hour time period, passed by a person who is traveling. Travelers' diarrhea is commonly accompanied by abdominal cramps, nausea, and bloating. Travelers' diarrhea is a general term and does...

Read the Travelers' Diarrhea article »

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Imodium

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IMODIUM®
(loperamide hydrochloride),

DRUG DESCRIPTION

IMODIUM® (loperamide hydrochloride), 4-(p-chlorophenyl)-4-hydroxy-N, N-dimethyl- a, a-diphenyl-1-piperidinebutyramide monohydrochloride, is a synthetic antidiarrheal for oral use.

IMODIUM (loperamide hydrochloride) structural formula illustration

IMODIUM® (loperamide hcl) is available in 2mg capsules.

The inactive ingredients are: Lactose, cornstarch, talc, and magnesium stearate. IMODIUM® (loperamide hcl) capsules contain FD&C Yellow No. 6.

What are the possible side effects of loperamide?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

stomach pain or bloating;
ongoing or worsening diarrhea;
diarrhea that is watery or bloody; or
fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash.

Less serious side effects may...

Read All Potential Side Effects and See Pictures of Imodium »

What are the precautions when taking loperamide hcl (Imodium)?

Before taking loperamide, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: stomach/abdominal pain without diarrhea, bowel obstruction (e.g., ileus, megacolon, abdominal distention).

Antibiotics may rarely cause a severe intestinal condition (Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea) due to a type of resistant bacteria. Symptoms include: persistent diarrhea, abdominal or stomach pain/cramping, or blood/mucus in your stool. This condition may...

Read All Potential Precautions of Imodium »

Last reviewed on RxList: 3/18/2008
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.