How to Use Imodium

Imodium is a medication used to treat diarrhea in adults and children not caused by antibiotic use or infection. The active ingredient in Imodium, loperamide, stops diarrhea by slowing digestion and giving the intestines time to absorb nutrients and fluid from foods. According to the Mayo Clinic, loperamide is available in four forms: liquid, tablet, capsule and solution. In the United States, the capsule form is only available by prescription.

Things You'll Need

• Marked measuring cup or measuring spoon

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Instructions

How to Use Imodium

• 1

  Inform your doctor of any existing medical conditions before using Imodium. Also, tell your doctor if you have a fever, if you have liver disease, if you are taking an antibiotic, if you are allergic to any medication and if your stools are black, bloody, tarry or contain mucus.

• 2

  Take a dose of Imodium as soon as your symptoms begin and then again after every subsequent loose stool. The initial dose of Imodium is always twice as large as subsequent doses. Look at dosing information on the packaging or on the website, imodium.com.

• 3

  Chew Imodium tablets well before swallowing. Imodium caplets should be swallowed whole. If you are unsure which type of Imodium you are taking, consult the product label or contact your pharmacist for further instructions.

• 4

  Shake liquid Imodium thoroughly before measuring your dose. This ensures the product is mixed inside the bottle and prevents improper dispensing. Measure liquid doses using a marked measuring cup or spoon. Do not use a spoon from your silverware drawer, as these are not all the same size.

• 5

  Use only the recommended dose listed on the product label, unless otherwise instructed by your doctor. Do not give Imodium to children younger than 2, and consult a doctor before giving this medication to children younger than 6. Whenever possible, use the weight guidelines listed on the product label for dosing rather than the guidelines for age.

• 6

  Drink extra water while taking Imodium to prevent dehydration. Take the medication with a full glass of water. Report symptoms of dehydration, such as decreased urination, dry mouth, wrinkled skin, dizziness and increased thirst to your doctor.

• 7

  Continue taking Imodium for 48 hours before deciding whether the medication is working. It may take two or more days for your diarrhea to ease.

• 8

  Speak with your doctor if you still have diarrhea after 10 days on Imodium. A medical condition that requires diagnosis and treatment by a medical professional may be causing your diarrhea.

• 9

  Discontinue using Imodium and call your doctor if you experience any signs of allergic reaction, such as hives, swelling of the face or mouth or difficulty breathing. Also, stop using the product if you experience any serious side effects, such as stomach bleeding or pain, worsening diarrhea, watery or bloody stools or fever with sore throat, headaches and a blistering skin rash.

• 10

  Store Imodium at room temperature, out of the reach of children, in a tightly sealed container. Keep Imodium away from heat, direct light and moisture, and do not freeze liquid Imodium.