Imodium

What is Imodium?

Imodium is a drug that treats short-term diarrhoea and irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhoea (IBS-D), and it’s available in a few different forms:

• Classic Capsules
• Dual Action Relief Tablets
• IBS Relief Soft Capsules
• Instant Melts
• InstantsOriginal Capsules

All of these contain the same active ingredient (loperamide), but the Dual Action Relief tablets also contain simeticone, an antiflatulent.

When, for whatever reason, your digestive system isn’t working as normal and there’s too much water in your stool, this can cause diarrhoea.^[1] Imodium works to counter this by slowing down your bowel movements and firming your stool to reduce diarrhoea.

How does Imodium work?

Imodium contains loperamide, an antidiarrheal agent that acts on the receptors in your intestines. It works in 3 main ways to treat diarrhoea: ^[2]

1. Slowing digestion – by slowing down the movement of food through your gut, Imodium reduces your need to poo.
2. Prevents excessive loss of electrolytes – the slowed bowel movements allow more water and ions to be absorbed from the stool, preventing dehydration and diarrhoea.
3. Increases tightness of anal muscles – this helps hold in stool and reduces your urgency.

What is the recommended dose of Imodium?

The dosage depends on the type of diarrhoea you’re treating. If you have short-term diarrhoea, it’s two capsules to start with, followed by one capsule after each poo for a maximum of two days. For IBS diarrhoea, it’s two capsules on the first day, followed by one capsule after any repeated attacks for up to two weeks. But do not take it for more than 48 hours for any one attack. For more information, ask your clinician. They’ll advise you on how long you need to take it for your condition.

How to take Imodium

The following guidelines are for Imodium Capsules. For instructions on how to take other forms of Imodium, check the patient information leaflet that comes with your treatment or ask your clinician for guidance.

To take Imodium, swallow it whole with a glass of water. Depending on whether you have short-term or IBS diarrhoea your dosage will differ. But regardless, don’t take more than six capsules in 24 hours, or for any longer than 48 hours for any one attack.

Because diarrhoea makes you lose more water than usual and feel dehydrated, it’s important to drink more water than normal to keep yourself hydrated until you feel better.

What happens if I make a mistake when taking Imodium?

If you accidentally take too many Imodium capsules, seek medical help as soon as possible. Taking too many can cause symptoms such as an increased heart rate, an irregular heartbeat, muscle stiffness, drowsiness and more. If you experience any of these symptoms, go to your nearest A&E.

How long does Imodium take to work?

Normally, diarrhoea naturally resolves itself within a couple of days, but to speed up this process and reduce the number of times you go to the toilet, you can take Imodium. Typically, it’ll work within one hour to provide fast relief.