How It Works, Dosage, Side Effects, Interactions

Imodium is an over-the-counter (OTC) medication that’s used to relieve diarrhea. It may cause mild side effects in some people.

You can take Imodium as soon as you experience symptoms.

The active ingredient in Imodium is loperamide. It works by making the muscles in your intestines contract more slowly, resulting in firmer stools.

If you follow the package instructions, Imodium poses a low risk of side effects. When side effects do occur, they tend to be mild.

Keep reading to learn what to expect when taking Imodium and how to take it safely.

The muscles in your gastrointestinal tract contract and release at regular intervals. This helps move the food you eat through your digestive system. During this process, the intestines absorb water and nutrients.

With diarrhea, the gut muscles contract too quickly. Food matter moves through your system too fast, resulting in watery bowel movements that are more frequent than usual.

Having diarrhea makes it harder for your intestines to absorb fluids and nutrients such as electrolytes. Your body needs electrolytes to function well. If diarrhea persists, low levels of fluids and electrolytes can trigger dehydration.

Imodium contains loperamide, a drug that slows down muscle contractions in the gut. This in turn slows the movement of food through your digestive tract so the bowel can absorb the fluids and nutrients your body needs, including electrolytes.

After you start taking Imodium, your bowel movements should be smaller, more solid, and less frequent.

Imodium is available as a caplet, soft gel, and liquid. All three types of Imodium are taken by mouth.

You shouldn’t use Imodium for more than 2 days in a row.

A prescription-strength Imodium caplet is available for long-term use. It’s usually prescribed to treat diarrhea caused by a chronic condition, such as inflammatory bowel disease.

The recommended dosage for Imodium is based on age or weight.

Adults and children 12 years or older

• The recommended dosage is 4 milligrams (mg) to start.
• This is followed by 2 mg for each loose stool that occurs after that.
• Don’t take more than 8 mg per day.

Children younger than 12 years

Dosage should be based on weight. If the child’s weight isn’t known, dosage should be based on age:

• Children 60 to 95 pounds (ages 9 to 11 years): 2 mg to start, then 1 mg after each loose stool that occurs after that. Don’t take more than 6 mg per day.
• Children 48 to 59 pounds (ages 6 to 8 years): 2 mg to start, then 1 mg after each loose stool that occurs after that. Don’t take more than 4 mg per day.
• Children 29 to 47 pounds (ages 2 to 5 years): Use Imodium only on the advice of a pediatrician.
• Children under 2 years: Do not give Imodium to children younger than 2 years of age.

Some people experience drowsiness after taking Imodium. If you’re taking Imodium for the first time, avoid potentially risky activities, such as driving, until you know how your body will react.

It’s also advisable to avoid alcohol when taking Imodium. Drinking alcohol may increase the risk of some side effects, such as dizziness and fatigue.

Finally, keep in mind that certain food and drinks may exacerbate diarrhea and related symptoms. Try to avoid caffeine and dairy, along with foods that are spicy, fatty, fried, or high in fiber until your bowel movements have returned to normal.

Imodium is generally well tolerated by many people. However, it can sometimes cause side effects.

Common side effects

Some of the more common side effects of Imodium can include:

• constipation
• dizziness
• tiredness
• headache
• nausea
• vomiting
• dry mouth

Serious side effects

Serious side effects of Imodium are rare. Seek medical assistance right away if you have any of the following symptoms:

• bloody or worsening diarrhea
• severe dizziness
• fainting
• signs of a severe allergic reaction, including:
  • severe skin rash
  • difficulty breathing
  • wheezing
  • tightness in your throat or chest
  • face, lips, mouth, or tongue swelling
• swelling or pain in the abdomen
• painful, peeling, or blistering skin

Imodium interacts with certain drugs that break down in your body in the same way that Imodium does. These interactions can potentially lead to increased levels of either medication in your body.

Some examples of medications that can interact with Imodium include:

• atropine
• alosetron
• diphenhydramine
• erythromycin
• fenofibric acid
• metoclopramide
• narcotic pain medications such as morphine, oxycodone, and fentanyl
• quinidine
• the HIV drugs saquinavir and ritonavir
• pramlintide

Imodium also interacts with other antidiarrheal drugs or medications that cause constipation.

Imodium is a safe medication for most people. However, it should still be used carefully. And in some cases, it should be avoided. The following warnings can help keep you safe.

Conditions of concern

Talk with your doctor before taking Imodium if you have any of the following conditions:

• liver problems
• HIV with infectious colitis
• ulcerative colitis
• an intestinal bacterial infection
• allergy to Imodium

Other warnings

Do not take more than the maximum daily dosage of Imodium. Also, do not take it for longer than 2 days unless directed by a doctor to do so.

You should see an improvement in your symptoms within 2 days. If you don’t, call a doctor. Your diarrhea may be caused by bacteria, a virus, or another cause. This may require treatment with a different medication.

Don’t take Imodium if you have blood in your stools or black stools. These symptoms may be a sign of some other problem in your digestive tract. Make an appointment with a doctor if you have bloody or black stools.

Never take Imodium if you have abdominal pain without diarrhea. Imodium isn’t approved for use in this situation. Depending on the cause of your pain, taking Imodium could make the pain worse.

In case of overdose

To avoid overdose, be sure to carefully follow the dosage instructions on your Imodium package. Symptoms of an overdose of Imodium can include:

• nausea
• vomiting
• severe drowsiness
• pain in your abdomen
• severe constipation

If you or someone you know accidentally takes too much Imodium, call the poison control hotline at 800-222-1222 for assistance.

Not enough research has been done to know whether Imodium is safe to use during pregnancy. If you are pregnant, talk with your doctor before taking Imodium. Ask if this medication is safe for you to use during pregnancy.

If you’re breastfeeding, also ask your doctor whether Imodium is safe for you. It’s known that small amounts of Imodium may pass into breast milk, but it’s not likely to harm a child who is breastfed. However, you should still consult your doctor before using Imodium.

Learn more: Pregnancy and diarrhea: Causes and remedies »

Imodium is an OTC drug for people with acute diarrhea. It contains loperamide, which works by decreasing muscle contractions in your gastrointestinal tract.

Imodium can cause side effects, but most of the time these are mild. To reduce your risk of adverse effects when taking Imodium, always carefully follow the instructions on the label.

If you have questions about Imodium, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Seek medical attention if your symptoms worsen or your diarrhea lasts longer than 2 days.

Abdominal Pain and Diarrhea: 20 Causes, Treatment, Prevention

Abdominal pain and diarrhea happening at the same time can have a variety of causes. These can include indigestion, a viral infection such as stomach flu, or an intestinal disease.

If you’re experiencing abdominal pain and diarrhea, it’s important to pinpoint the cause of your symptoms. That will determine which medications, home remedies, and tips you can try to help treat and prevent abdominal pain and diarrhea.

Abdominal pain is pain that you feel between your chest and pelvis. Abdominal pain can be cramp-like, achy, dull, or sharp. It’s often called a stomachache. Diarrhea is characterized by stool that’s loose, bloody, or fatty. You may feel like you need to go to the bathroom frequently. Diarrhea sometimes accompanies abdominal pain.

Most people occasionally experience abdominal pain and diarrhea for a short time. Changes to your diet, consuming too much alcohol, and indigestion may cause these symptoms.

Frequent, constant, or severe abdominal pain and diarrhea may indicate a disease or a more serious medical issue. Diarrhea that gets progressively worse and is bloody can also be a symptom of a more serious issue. Possible causes of abdominal pain and diarrhea include:

• stomach flu
• food poisoning
• food allergies
• premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
• irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a common disorder affecting the digestive system
• diverticulitis
• lactose intolerance, or the inability to digest lactose, a sugar found in milk and some other dairy products
• impacted bowel
• intestinal obstruction
• colitis
• appendicitis
• West Nile virus
• parasites, like giardiasis, amebiasis, or hookworm
• bacterial infection, like shigellosis or E. coli
• drug allergies
• celiac disease
• Crohn’s disease
• cystic fibrosis
• stress and anxiety
• some forms of cancer

Indigestion, stomach flu, and food poisoning are common causes of acute abdominal pain and diarrhea. In these cases, your symptoms will last for less than 1 or 2 days and often get better without medical treatment.

Infections or diseases that affect the organs in your abdomen can also cause pain with diarrhea. Organs in the abdomen include your:

• intestines
• kidneys
• appendix
• spleen
• stomach
• gallbladder
• liver
• pancreas

The above conditions and disorders can cause inflammation in different parts of your digestive tract, like the stomach and intestines. When your digestive system is inflamed, you might have cramps and trouble with typical digestive processes. This usually results in abdominal pain and diarrhea.

Abdominal pain and diarrhea that last for more than a week or keep coming back may be a symptom of an intestinal disease or disorder. Talk with a doctor if you’ve experienced these symptoms for more than a week or on a reoccurring basis.

Like adults, children often experience abdominal pain and diarrhea because of stomach flu, infections, food allergies, lactose intolerance, or stress. But eating too much can also cause these symptoms.

Some children may have trouble telling the difference between when they’re hungry and when they’re full. This can cause them to overeat. Overeating puts stress on the digestive system, which can cause abdominal pain and diarrhea.

Pregnant people are especially prone to abdominal pain and diarrhea. One common reason is that many people make changes to their diet when they find out they’re pregnant. This can cause digestive trouble.

If you’re pregnant, you may also start having sensitivities to particular foods. This can include foods you eat on a regular basis, resulting in abdominal pain and diarrhea. On top of that, hormone changes in your reproductive system that occur during pregnancy may also cause these symptoms.

Seek medical help if you’re having abdominal pain and diarrhea that last for more than 2 days, if the pain grows increasingly worse over a 24-hour period, or if it’s accompanied by any of these symptoms:

• frequent nausea or vomiting
• a sustained fever of 102°F (38. 9°C) or higher
• stool that contains blood or dried blood, which looks like wet coffee grounds
• an inability to keep food down
• extreme thirst or dry mouth
• an inability to speak or see
• mental confusion or loss of consciousness
• yellowing of the skin or eyes
• seizures
• swelling of the genitals
• external bleeding

Diarrhea can be more dangerous for infants, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems. In these cases, discuss symptoms with a doctor.

If you don’t have a primary care doctor, you can browse doctors in your area through the Healthline FindCare tool.

To determine the cause of abdominal pain and diarrhea, a doctor will first perform a physical exam. They’ll also ask some questions about your health history and lifestyle.

Traveling to certain countries may increase your risk of digestive disease. Be sure to mention any recent trips overseas. The doctor will also ask questions about any recent changes in your diet.

A doctor may perform a stool culture, in which they’ll send a sample of your feces to a lab to check for bacteria, viruses, and parasites. If this comes up negative, they may run a more complete analysis of your feces to look for possible digestive disorders.

Other common diagnostic tests include:

• Endoscopy: In an endoscopy, a doctor sends a camera down your throat and into your stomach to check for problems, such as ulcers and signs of celiac disease.
• Colonoscopy: A colonoscopy involves sending a camera into the rectum and intestines to check for signs of damage and signs of disease, such as ulcers and polyps.
• Lower GI (gastrointestinal) tract radiography: In a lower GI tract radiography, also known as a barium enema, a technician will perform a real-time X-ray of the abdomen. This occurs after the doctor injects a barium-based contrast material into the rectum that can highlight intestinal obstructions and other conditions.

Medication can help treat the underlying condition causing your abdominal pain and diarrhea. If your symptoms are caused by stress or need to be managed, home remedies can help.

Medical treatments

The type of medical treatment you’ll receive for your abdominal pain and diarrhea depends on the underlying condition causing your symptoms. Treatments for some of the more common causes of these symptoms include:

• antibiotics to treat bacterial infections, including food poisoning
• prescription allergy medications
• antidepressants to treat stress and anxiety
• prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to treat PMS
• antiparasitic drugs to kill parasites

Home remedies

It’s important for people having abdominal pain and diarrhea to stay hydrated. Drink plenty of clear liquids, such as water, juice, and broth. Avoid caffeine and alcohol.

As bowel movements become more regular, eat small amounts of low fiber, mild foods. These types of foods include plain toast, rice, and eggs. Avoid spicy, high fat, and high fiber foods. They can worsen inflammation in the digestive system.

Probiotics may help your digestive system heal. Natural probiotics are found in foods such as yogurt. Probiotic supplements are also available.

Many over-the-counter (OTC) medications and herbal supplements can ease stomach pain and diarrhea caused by infections or indigestion. Herbal supplements that some people find helpful include:

• peppermint
• bilberry
• ginger
• lemon balm
• chamomile

Consult with a pharmacist or doctor for advice on their use. Always follow package instructions when taking OTC medications.

To cope with stress and anxiety, consider trying meditation. Yoga, deep breathing, and other relaxation techniques may help. You may also want to try talking with a therapist.

Not all conditions that cause abdominal pain and diarrhea can be prevented. Follow these meal tips to help prevent indigestion and stomach upset:

• Eat a well-balanced diet.
• Limit alcohol.
• Limit spicy and fatty foods.
• Drink plenty of water.

Washing your hands frequently can prevent some viral infections that cause these symptoms.

Practice good hygiene when preparing food. Wash kitchen work surfaces frequently and store food properly.

People traveling may experience traveler’s diarrhea and stomachache. A bacterial or viral infection caused by contaminated food or water is the usual cause.

When traveling in areas with different sanitation standards, be careful about what you eat and drink. Avoid tap water, ice cubes, and raw foods, including peeled fruits and vegetables.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lists disease warnings and travel advisories on its travel health website. Consult this list as well as a doctor before traveling abroad.

Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about abdominal pain and diarrhea.

What are the most common causes of abdominal pain and diarrhea?

The most common causes of abdominal pain and diarrhea are infections, such as gastroenteritis (stomach flu), and food allergies, lactose intolerance, and stress. Common bowel disorders, such as IBS and Crohn’s disease, can also cause these symptoms.

What is the best way to treat abdominal pain and diarrhea?

The best way to treat abdominal pain and diarrhea depends on the underlying cause. In general, it’s important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. If your symptoms are caused by an infection, you may need antibiotics.

For food allergies, it’s important to identify the food causing your symptoms and avoid eating it. A healthcare professional can help you determine the best treatment for your symptoms.

When should I see a doctor for abdominal pain?

It’s important to see a doctor if your symptoms are severe or last longer than a couple of days. Other symptoms that warrant a visit to the doctor include vomiting, fever, blood in the stool, and sudden weight loss. A doctor may order tests and prescribe medications to help diagnose and treat your condition.

Abdominal pain and diarrhea can take a toll on your daily life. With the right diagnosis and treatment plan, you can find relief. Acute cases usually resolve on their own within a few days, while chronic cases may need medical attention.

If you experience severe or persistent symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor. With the right diagnosis and treatment plan, relief is possible.

Read this article in Spanish.

What is diarrhea and when to run to the doctor?

We all have diarrhea from time to time, which can last for a couple of days. Sometimes it lasts for several weeks, which may indicate an infection or inflammatory bowel disease. In this article, we will look at where this violation comes from and for what symptoms you need to urgently see a doctor.

This disorder is characterized by frequent trips to the toilet (3 or more times a day) with loose stools. Doctors distinguish 3 types of diarrhea:

1. Acute – the most common variety, which usually bothers you for 1-2 days and goes away on its own.
2. Continuous – lasts from 2 weeks, but less than a month.
3. Chronic diarrhea – lasts at least 4 weeks, while its symptoms may either persist throughout the entire time, or go away and then come back.

People suffering from this disorder, in addition to the main symptom, may have the following:

• Emergence of an urgent need to visit the toilet,
• Abdominal cramps or pain,
• Inability to stop defecation,
• Nausea.

If the causes of diarrhea are hidden in an infection, the patient has one or more additional symptoms:

• Diarrhea with blood,
• Fever and chills,
• Dizziness,
• Vomiting.

What are the causes of diarrhea?

The acute or continuous form of the disorder may have causes that are different from chronic diarrhea.

Acute and continuous

The most common causes of acute or continuous diarrhea are infections and drug side effects.

Infections

There are 3 types of infections that cause acute or continuous diarrhea:

• Viral infections, including norovirus and rotavirus. A common cause of acute diarrhea is viral gastroenteritis.
• Bacterial infections. Several types of bacteria are able to enter our body along with contaminated food or water. The most common ones that can cause diarrhea are Campylobacter, E. coli, Salmonella, and Shigella.
• Parasitic infections. Parasites enter the body with food or water, after which they settle in the digestive tract. Parasites that can cause diarrhea include cryptosporidium, dysenteric amoeba, and intestinal giardia.

Medication side effects

Many drugs can cause the disorder, including antibiotics, magnesium-containing antacids, and drugs given to cancer patients.

Chronic diarrhea

This form of disorder can be caused by:

• Certain infections,
• Food allergy or intolerance,

abdominal cavity,

• Long-term medication.

Infections

Some bacterial or parasitic infections that cause diarrhea do not go away without treatment. Also, after an infection, a person can get problems with the digestion of carbohydrates (lactose – milk sugar) or protein (dairy or soy products). Because of these problems, diarrhea can bother a person longer than usual.

Food allergy or food intolerance

• Allergies to foods such as cow’s milk, soy, grains, eggs and seafood can cause chronic diarrhea.
• Lactose intolerance (milk sugar) is another common disorder. It can cause diarrhea after eating a meal that contains milk or dairy products.
• Fructose intolerance, which is found in honey, juices, fruits or soft drinks, can also cause chronic diarrhoea. Fructose is one of the simple sugars, or monosaccharides.
• Sugar alcohols such as sorbitol, mannitol and xylitol can cause distress in some people. These substances are often added to chewing gums and sugar-free hard candies. Read more about sugar alcohols in the article on the FODMAP diet.

Diseases or disorders of the gastrointestinal tract

Problems with the gastrointestinal tract that can cause chronic diarrhea include:

• Celiac disease (gluten intolerance),
• Disease Crown,
• Irritable bowel syndrome and other functional disorders of the gastrointestinal tract,
• Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth syndrome,
• Ulcerative colitis.

Surgery on organs that are located in the abdomen

Some people develop chronic diarrhea after surgery on the gallbladder, colon, liver, pancreas, small intestine, stomach, spleen, or appendicitis.

Long term medication

Medicines taken for a long time can also cause chronic diarrhoea. Some of these medications, such as antibiotics, can change the intestinal flora and increase the chances of encountering the bacterium Clostridium difficile. This bacterium is capable of causing a chronic disorder.

How do doctors find the cause of diarrhea?

In addition to a physical examination and review of the patient’s medical history, the gastroenterologist will order one or more of the following tests to find the exact cause of diarrhea:

• Comprehensive blood count,
• Fecal test – this test helps to determine , if diarrhea is due to a bacterial or parasitic infection,
• Endoscopy – this procedure allows you to examine the mucous membrane of the upper or lower department of the gastrointestinal tract. Endoscopic procedures may include gastroduodenoscopy, colonoscopy, or rectosigmoidoscopy.

What to do if you have diarrhea?

Treatment depends on the cause and whether the disorder is acute, continuous, or chronic. Let’s consider each of them.

How to treat acute diarrhea?

Most acute disorders are treated with loperamide and bismuth subsalicylate. If the patient has a fever or blood is found in the stool, doctors do not recommend taking pills for diarrhea. In this case, the cause of the disorder may be hiding in a bacterial or parasitic infection.

How is acute diarrhea in children treated? Over-the-counter medicines taken by adults can pose a health risk to babies. In this case, it is better to consult a pediatric gastroenterologist.

What should I do if I have chronic diarrhea?

Treatment of the continuous or chronic form of the disorder depends on the cause. A doctor may prescribe antibiotics and drugs to kill a bacterial or parasitic infection. If necessary, the gastroenterologist prescribes medications to treat diseases that cause chronic diarrhea. These include ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, or irritable bowel syndrome.

Doctors sometimes recommend taking a course of probiotics. Probiotics are live microorganisms that live in our intestines.

What can not be eaten with diarrhea?

With this disorder, many patients temporarily lose their appetite. In most cases, when appetite returns, you can gradually return to your usual diet.

If the cause of diarrhea is a food allergy or intolerance, some dietary adjustments are recommended. In this case, you should avoid foods that can provoke a disorder. These include:

• Alcohol,
• Caffeinated beverages – coffee, dark chocolate, cola, chocolate ice cream
• Dairy products – milk, cheese, ice cream rich in fructose – honey, apples, peaches, pears, juices, grapes, peas, watermelons, asparagus, zucchini,
• Spicy foods,
• Diet sodas and sugar-free chewing gums.

When do I need to see a doctor urgently?

Seek immediate medical attention if any of the following symptoms occur:

• Diarrhea lasting more than 2 days
• Temperature rises to 38.8°C
• hikes to the toilet within 24 hours,
• Severe pain in the abdomen or rectum,
• Black or tarry stools,
• Diarrhea with blood or pus,
• Appearance of signs of dehydration.

Elderly, immunosuppressed or co-morbid people should seek medical attention at the first sign of diarrhea.

If an infant or child is suffering from the disorder, the reason for urgent medical attention is:

• Diarrhea in a child that lasts more than 24 hours and vomiting,
• Severe pain in the abdomen or rectum,
• Diarrhea with blood or pus,
• Black or tarry stools,
• Signs of dehydration.

If you or your child has frequent diarrhea, see a gastroenterologist.

Sources:

1. Fructose intolerance: Which foods to avoid,
2. Diarrhea, The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Health Information Center,
3. Diarrhea, Mayo Clinic,
4. Diarrhea, NHS.

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Intestinal spasm: causes, symptoms and treatment

Content:

• Causes of intestinal spasm
• How to treat spasm in the intestines

The rhythm of life of a modern person can affect the work of the intestines, leading to unpleasant symptoms.

Causes of intestinal spasm

The intestine is a muscular organ, the walls of which are composed of smooth muscle cells. Like any muscle, these cells must contract and relax in order for the intestines to move and digest food. When a smooth muscle cell has contracted and cannot relax for a long time, it means that it is in spasm ² .

Pain in the intestines of a cramping nature may be accompanied by additional symptoms, such as diarrhea, constipation, bloating ¹ . Spasm of smooth muscle cells can provoke either a delay in the contents in the intestine, or its excessively rapid progress. With constipation, the contents stay in the body for a long time, causing fermentation processes and increased gas formation ³ . And with diarrhea, on the contrary, the contents are excreted from the body too quickly. As a result, the work of the intestine is disturbed.
Thus, pain and spasm may be accompanied by other unpleasant symptoms from the intestines: a violation of the stool and bloating. All these symptoms may indicate that the bowel is disturbed, that is, it is irritated ⁴ .

How to treat spasm in the intestines

For any diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, it is important to ensure the right diet: establish a regular meal, exclude the use of junk food (fast food), reduce the amount of spicy, fatty, smoked and fried foods. It is better to completely exclude foods that lead to fermentation from the diet: pastries, low-alcohol drinks (beer and wine), sauerkraut, legumes, etc. ⁴

In addition, in some cases, drugs may be required to relieve spasm in the intestines (antispasmodics) ⁵ . At the same time, it may seem that to solve the problem, it is enough to relieve the spasm once, and the intestines will work like clockwork. But it is not so. For a qualitative disposal of unpleasant symptoms, it is important to restore the disturbed functioning of the irritable bowel. How to do it? This requires that spasmodic smooth muscle cells return to a healthy state and provide the intestine with the opportunity to fully participate in the process of moving food.

To work at full strength, you need to be in good shape. The situation is the same with the intestines. And it is important to understand that not every drug can help with this.

Most antispasmodics (for example: drotaverine, hyoscine butylbromide) only relax the intestinal cells, and therefore cannot restore its motor activity.