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Imodium AD Contraindications

Imodium AD is an over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medicine widely available in North American drugstores. The active ingredient in Imodium AD is loperamide, a drug that interacts with opiate receptors in the intestinal tract to slow its peristaltic movements. Most individuals tolerate the drug quite well; however, there are several reasons it would be inadvisable to use this common medication. Following its use, Imodium AD usage should cease if constipation occurs or normal bowel function resumes.

  1. Hypersensitivity

    • An infrequent complaint to Imodium AD is hypersensitivity. If a patient has experienced or is currently displaying signs of hypersensitivity, cessation of the drug is the first recommended step. If the symptoms are severe, medical treatment may be necessary. Symptoms of hypersensitivity can include nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, stomach pain and fatigue. Unfortunately, these symptoms resemble many of the symptoms being treated. Imodium AD is also contraindicated in patients experiencing abdominal pain without diarrhea.

    Infants

    • Patients younger than two years old should not take Imodium AD. Diarrhea in infants can be caused by a number of reasons. Parents of infants with diarrhea should consult their physician, as it could be indicative of other problems. Children older than 2 may use Imodium AD; however, the dosage is different from that of adults. Physicians also contraindicate Imodium AD for diarrhea lasting more than 10 days, in adults and children alike.

    Intestinal Diseases

    • Physicians do not recommend the use of Imodium AD in patients with one of several intestinal diseases. Patients with acute dysentery should not use the drug, along with patients displaying blood or mucus in their stools. Patients with severe ulcerative colitis should avoid the use of loperamide. Imodium AD's contraindications also include patients experiencing diarrhea caused by bacterial enterocolitis; this is caused by invasive organisms, such as Salmonella, Shigella, or Campylobacter.

    Antibiotic-Induced Diarrhea

    • A common side effect of many broad-spectrum antibiotics is diarrhea. This is caused by an impartial culling of bacteria in the body, including symbiotic intestinal bacteria. Diarrhea caused by this loss of normal bacteria should cease within a few days. Use of Imodium AD during this period can cause changes to the propulsive actions of the intestines. Normal peristalsis is an important portion of returning to normal.

    Peristaltic Inhibition

    • Patients with disorders that cause changes in the peristaltic movement of the intestines should avoid the use of Imodium AD. The loperamide will slow the propulsive movements to a dangerously low speed. By inhibiting peristalsis, a few dangerous conditions can develop. Ileus, or an intestinal blockage, can occur. Other possible results include the development of a distension of the colon, called megacolon.

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