What is diarrhea?
What can cause diarrhea?
How do I relieve diarrhea?
When can I self-medicate?
When should I consult a physician?
Do the makers of IMODIUM® A-D and IMODIUM® Multi-Symptom Relief make the store-brand products?
How much do I give my spouse? I'm his/her caretaker, and I want to give the correct amount.
Can I take this long term?
Why does it say not to take it if I have black stools, mucus in the stools, or a high fever?
Do I take IMODIUM® products with a glass of water or other liquid?
Can I chew the caplet?
Are IMODIUM® products gluten-free?
What is the main ingredient in IMODIUM®?
What is the main ingredient in IMODIUM® Multi-Symptom Relief?
What is simethicone?
What is the difference between IMODIUM® A-D and IMODIUM® Multi-Symptom Relief?
Does IMODIUM® Multi-Symptom Relief work faster than IMODIUM® A-D?
How does IMODIUM® work?
How long does it take work?
Can I use IMODIUM® to prevent diarrhea?
What is Traveler's Diarrhea?
Can I take this with my other medications?
Can I take this if I'm pregnant?
I have diverse medical conditions. Can I take this?
What is diarrhea?When the intestines are functioning normally, food and fluid pass from the stomach into the small intestine and then into the colon. Cells that line the small intestine and colon absorb the nutrients and water the body needs from the food. The remaining food material, in the form of stools, enters the rectum for elimination. Sometimes, the cells become irritated and cannot properly absorb the water and nutrients from the food. The normally slow, wavelike movement of the intestinal tract can become hyperactive, moving food and fluids through the colon too quickly. This results in watery stools — better known as diarrhea.
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What can cause diarrhea?- TRAVELER'S DIARRHEA:
Traveler's Diarrhea is caused by parasites or bacteria found in tap water and food in many parts of the world. - FOOD INTOLERANCE OR ALLERGY:
Diarrhea can result from intolerance or allergy to certain foods. Milk and wheat products are the most common culprits. - OVERINDULGENCE:
Excessive consumption of certain foods and alcohol can result in diarrhea. - MENSTRUATION:
Many women experience mild diarrhea either immediately before or during menstruation. - IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME OR SPASTIC COLON:
The cause of this type of recurring diarrhea is not known. Other symptoms may include abdominal pain, bloating, and constipation. See your doctor if you have these symptoms.
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How do I relieve diarrhea?Diarrhea usually clears up within a few days. However, in most cases, you can relieve the symptoms of diarrhea by restricting what you eat, drinking plenty of fluids, and by using an anti-diarrheal medication such as IMODIUM® A-D.
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When can I self-medicate?When a doctor's care is not required, you can relieve the symptoms of diarrhea by using IMODIUM® A-D. Previously available only by prescription, the medicine in IMODIUM® A-D has been used for years to effectively treat diarrhea.
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When should I consult a physician?- If diarrhea persists beyond two days
- If accompanied by fever over 101°F
- If accompanied by blood/mucus in the stool
- If you suffer from abdominal pain, bloating, and constipation
- Regarding any additional medications that may be appropriate
- If the sufferer is a child under six years of age
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Do the makers of IMODIUM® A-D and IMODIUM® Multi-Symptom Relief make the store-brand products?No, the makers of IMODIUM® A-D and IMODIUM® Multi-Symptom Relief do not make the store-brand products.
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How much do I give my spouse? I'm his/her caretaker and I want to give the correct amount.As stated on the package label, "Adults and children 12 years and over: 2 caplets after the first loose stool; 1 caplet after each subsequent loose stool; but no more than 4 caplets in 24 hours."
| IMODIUM® A-D |
| Adults and children 12 years and over |
2 caplets after the first loose stool; 1 caplet after each subsequent loose stool; but no more than 4 caplets in 24 hours |
| Children 9-11 years (60 – 95 lbs) |
1 caplet after the first loose stool; ½ caplet after each subsequent loose stool; but no more than 3 caplets in 24 hours |
| Children 6-8 years (48 – 59 lbs) |
1 caplet after the first loose stool; ½ caplet after each subsequent loose stool; but no more than 2 caplets in 24 hours |
| Children under 6 years (up to 47 lbs) |
ask a doctor |
Find right dose on chart. If possible, use weight to dose; otherwise,
use age.
IMODIUM® MULTI-SYMPTOM RELIEF CAPLETS
Drink plenty of clear liquids to help prevent dehydration caused by diarrhea. |
| Adults and children 12 years and over |
2 caplets after the first loose stool; 1 caplet after each subsequent loose stool; but no more than 4 caplets in 24 hours |
| Children 9-11 years (60 – 95 lbs) |
1 caplet after the first loose stool; ½ caplet after each subsequent loose stool; but no more than 3 caplets in 24 hours |
| Children 6-8 years (48 – 59 lbs) |
1 caplet after the first loose stool; ½ caplet after each subsequent loose stool; but no more than 2 caplets in 24 hours |
| Children under 6 years (up to 47 lbs) |
ask a doctor |
Find right dose on chart. If possible, use weight to dose; otherwise,
use age.
| IMODIUM® A-D LIQUID FOR USE IN CHILDREN |
| |
(1 mg of loperamide HCl per 7.5mL) |
| Adults and children 12 years and over |
30mL (6 tsp) after the first loose stool; 15mL (3 tsp) after each subsequent loose stool; but no more than 60mL (12 tsp) in 24 hours |
| Children 9-11 years (60 – 95 lbs) |
15mL (3 tsp) after first loose stool; 7.5mL (1½ tsp) after each subsequent loose stool; but no more than 45 mL (9 tsp) in 24 hours |
| Children 6-8 years (48 – 59 lbs) |
15mL (3 tsp) after first loose stool; 7.5mL (1½ tsp) after each subsequent loose stool; but no more than 30mL (6 tsp) in 24 hours |
| Children under 6 years (up to 47 lbs) |
ask a doctor |
Find right dose on chart. If possible, use weight to dose; otherwise,
use age.
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Can I take this long term?As stated on our packaging, our products are intended to treat acute diarrhea and should be used for no more than two days. If diarrhea lasts for more than two days, you should stop use and talk to your doctor.
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Why does it say not to take it if I have black stools, mucus in the stools, or a high fever?The reason for this warning is because a high fever, blood, or mucus in the stool may be a sign of a more serious condition. We recommend you contact your physician.
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Do I take IMODIUM® products with a glass of water or other liquid?As stated on the package label, "Drink plenty of clear fluids to help prevent dehydration caused by diarrhea."
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Can I chew the caplet?It is recommended that IMODIUM® A-D Caplets be swallowed and taken with water, not chewed.
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Are IMODIUM® products gluten-free?IMODIUM® Multi-Symptom Chewable Tablets and IMODIUM® A-D Caplets have been tested and do not contain any detectable levels of gluten.
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What is the main ingredient in IMODIUM®?Loperamide hydrochloride is the generic name for IMODIUM® and is a synthetic anti-diarrheal agent intended for oral use.
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What is the main ingredient in IMODIUM® Multi-Symptom Relief?Each IMODIUM® Multi-Symptom Relief Caplet contains 2 mg of Loperamide HCl and 125 mg of simethicone.
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What is simethicone?The active ingredient, simethicone, has anti-foaming or anti-bubbling activity. simethicone acts in the stomach and intestines by altering the surface tension of gas and mucus bubbles, enabling them to group together (coalesce). This action accelerates the passage of gas through the intestine either through belching or passing of flatus.
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What is the difference between IMODIUM® A-D and IMODIUM® Multi-Symptom Relief?IMODIUM® A-D relieves diarrhea, and IMODIUM® Multi-Symptom Relief relieves diarrhea plus gas.
IMODIUM® Multi-Symptom Relief contains the same active ingredient (loperamide HCl) found in IMODIUM® A-D, in the same amount, plus it contains a second ingredient (simethicone) to control the gas-related symptoms, such as bloating, pressure, and cramps, that often accompany diarrhea. So, although IMODIUM® A-D controls diarrhea, the unique formula of IMODIUM® Multi-Symptom Relief offers more complete control of diarrhea and the symptoms that often accompany it.
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Does IMODIUM® Multi-Symptom Relief work faster than IMODIUM® A-D?In a large clinical study involving 493 patients, those who received loperamide/simethicone combination (IMODIUM® Multi-Symptom Relief) had significantly shorter times to last unformed stool and to complete relief of abdominal symptoms, compared to patients who received loperamide alone, simethicone alone, or placebo. Additionally, loperamide/simethicone combination was rated significantly better for overall effectiveness than each of the other three groups.
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How does IMODIUM® work?IMODIUM® provides prompt and effective control of diarrhea by directly acting on the intestinal wall, by normalizing motility, and also by normalizing the balance between absorption and secretion of water and electrolytes.
IMODIUM® A-D Liquid for Children became available because of recent FDA-mandated labeling changes affecting OTC anti-diarrheals for children. Subsalicylates, which are the active ingredients in the anti-diarrheal brands Pepto Bismol®, and Kaopectate®, are not recommended for children under 12 years of age because of the possible risks of Reye's Syndrome. Subsalicylate-free IMODIUM® A-D is the only anti-diarrheal brand approved for use in children 6 to 11 years of age.
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How long does it take to work?IMODIUM® A-D has been shown to provide diarrhea relief in 80% of diarrhea patients within one hour.
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Can I use IMODIUM® to prevent diarrhea?IMODIUM® controls the symptoms of diarrhea. It is indicated for the treatment of acute diarrhea, including Traveler's Diarrhea, in adults and children 6 years of age and older.
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What is Traveler's Diarrhea?Traveler's Diarrhea is usually the result of infection by bacteria from contaminated food or water.
The best way to avoid Traveler's Diarrhea is to take a few simple dietary and hygienic precautions. These include avoiding peeled fruit and undercooked food (especially meat, vegetables, and seafood), tap water (including ice cubes), and unpasteurized dairy products. The safest beverages are bottled carbonated soft drinks, beer, wine, hot tea or coffee, and properly boiled water (boiled for at least 20 minutes).
If Traveler's Diarrhea occurs, it generally starts within the first week of a trip and tends to disappear in 3 to 5 days without treatment. It may be accompanied by cramps, nausea, bloating, and sometimes mild fever, but usually it is not serious. While it lasts, it is best to stay away from dairy products and alcohol because these can aggravate the diarrhea. It is also important to replace the lost fluid with, for example, clear soups or tea, and to supplement these with simple bland foods such as crackers, gelatin, and toast.
Should a high fever develop and it is accompanied by more serious symptoms such as vomiting or bloody stools, consult a physician.
Before going on a trip, it is always best to check with your doctor regarding treatment of Traveler's Diarrhea if it should occur.
(NOTE: The application to market IMODIUM® Multi-Symptom Relief, which was submitted to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) by McNeil Consumer Healthcare, did not seek an indication for the treatment of Traveler's Diarrhea. Therefore, this indication does not appear on the labeling for IMODIUM® Multi-Symptom Relief products. If you have any questions regarding the treatment of Traveler's Diarrhea, please speak with your healthcare professional.)
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Can I take this with my other medications?Clinically significant drug interactions have not been reported with loperamide. Consumer package warnings advise patients to consult a physician before taking loperamide-containing products if they are taking antibiotics for reasons pertaining to potential drug-disease interactions.
You should tell your doctor about any prescription or over-the-counter medicines you are taking. Additionally, check with your doctor before taking any new medicine while using IMODIUM® (loperamide HCl) Capsules.
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Can I take this if I'm pregnant?If pregnant or breast-feeding, ask a healthcare professional before use.
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I have diverse medical conditions. Can I take this?Because loperamide HCl, the active ingredient in IMODIUM® A-D products, is primarily metabolized by the liver, the package label states, "Ask a doctor before use if you have a history of liver disease."
IMODIUM® (loperamide hydrochloride) is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to the drug and in those patients in whom constipation must be avoided.
As stated on our packaging, our products are intended to treat acute diarrhea and should be used for no more than two days. If diarrhea lasts for more than two days, you should stop use and talk to your doctor.
Ask a doctor or pharmacist before use if you are taking antibiotics. Additionally, if you are taking antibiotics for infectious diarrhea, accompanied by high fever (greater than 101°F), or you have blood in your stool, you should not take this product or other anti-diarrheals.
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