Symptomatic control of acute and chronic diarrhoea. In patients with an ileostomy Imodium can be used to reduce the number and volume of stools and to harden their consistency.
Adults: Acute Diarrhoea: Initial Dose: 2 caps followed by 1 cap after any subsequent loose stool.
Chronic Diarrhoea: Initial Dose: 2 caps daily; this initial dose will be adjusted until 1-2 solid stools a day are obtained, which is usually achieved with a maintenance dose of 1-6 caps daily. The maximum dose for acute and chronic diarrhoea is 8 caps daily.
As soon as normal stools are obtained, the dose must be gradually reduced. If constipation occurs, the treatment should be stopped.
In case of overdosage, the following side effects may be observed: Constipation and neurological symptoms (myosis, muscular hypertonia, somnolence and bradypnoea).
If intoxication is suspected, naloxone can be given as an antidote. Since the duration of action of Imodium is longer than that of naloxone, the patient should be placed under constant observation for at least 48 hrs in order to detect a possible depression of the CNS.
Imodium must not be used: When inhibition of peristalsis is to be avoided and when the hepatic function, necessary for the drug's metabolism is defective which might result in a relative overdose (eg, in case of severe hepatic disturbances).
Imodium is not recommended for children <6 years and the elderly.
Imodium should not be used in the case of acute dysentery, which is characterized by blood in stools and elevated temperatures.
Fluid and electrolyte depletion may occur in patients who have diarrhoea. The use of Imodium does not preclude the administration of appropriate fluid and electrolyte therapy.
In some patients with acute ulcerative colitis, and in pseudomembranous colitis associated with broad-spectrum antibiotics, agents which inhibit intestinal motility or delay intestinal transit time have been reported to induce toxic megacolon. Imodium therapy should be discontinued promptly if abdominal distention occurs or if other untoward symptoms develop in patients with acute ulcerative colitis.
If one excludes the previously-mentioned contraindications, no side effects have been observed, apart from a few cases of dry mouth. This is true even after prolonged administration. Nausea, abdominal pain and constipation may also be experienced.
A07DA03 - loperamide ; Belongs to the class of antipropulsives. Used in the treatment of diarrhea.
Cap 2 mg x 10 x 10's, 25 x 4's.