This combination medication is used to treat diarrhea and symptoms of gas (e.g., cramps, bloating, pressure). Loperamide works by slowing down the movement of the gut.

When should I take loperamide?

It is best to take loperamide half an hour before a meal. This will help to slow down the usual gut activity that is stimulated by eating. Most people find that the bowel is most active in the morning and so loperamide will help most if taken before breakfast.

When should you not take loperamide?

You should not use loperamide if you have ulcerative colitis, bloody or tarry stools, diarrhea with a high fever, or diarrhea caused by antibiotic medication. Loperamide is safe when used as directed. TAKING TOO MUCH LOPERAMIDE CAN CAUSE SERIOUS HEART PROBLEMS OR DEATH.

What is loperamide good for?

Loperamide is a medicine to treat diarrhoea (runny poo). It can help with short-term diarrhoea or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Loperamide is also used for recurring or longer lasting diarrhoea from bowel conditions such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis and short bowel syndrome.

Does Imodium give you stomach cramps?

Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Stop taking this medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: severe constipation/nausea/vomiting, stomach/abdominal pain, uncomfortable fullness of the stomach/abdomen.

How to Treat & Prevent Stomach Cramps | Stomach Problems

36 related questions found

Can you take Imodium with a stomach bug?

In some cases, adults can take over-the-counter medicines such as loperamide link (Imodium) and bismuth subsalicylate link (Pepto-Bismol, Kaopectate) to treat diarrhea caused by viral gastroenteritis.

Is Imodium good for IBS?

Yes, OTC anti-diarrhea medications, such as Imodium, Pepto-Bismol, and Kaopectate, can relieve diarrhea in people with IBS.

Can loperamide be used for pain?

Loperamide has an effect on peripheral μ-opioid receptors activated by inflammation, and has been investigated as a possible topical analgesic for painful ulcers of the skin or mouth.

Does loperamide make you sleepy?

Talk to your doctor about using loperamide safely. This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy.

What does loperamide interact with?

Some products that may interact with this drug include: pramlintide, recent/current antibiotic use, drugs that can cause constipation (including anticholinergics such as belladonna/scopolamine, antispasmodics such as glycopyrrolate/oxybutynin, potent opioid pain medicines such as morphine, certain antihistamines such ...

Is loperamide the same as Imodium?

Imodium, also stylized as Imodium A-D, is the brand name for loperamide. Unlike Lomotil, Imodium can be purchased over the counter (OTC).

Can I take Imodium and Pepto Bismol at the same time?

Interactions can make one or more of the drugs involved less effective. They can also increase your risk of side effects. Because of this, you shouldn't take Imodium A-D and Pepto-Bismol together. Taking them together won't increase how well they work for you.

What are the side effects of loperamide?

Dizziness, drowsiness, tiredness, or constipation may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, contact your doctor promptly.

Does Imodium help with nausea?

You shouldn't take Imodium for nausea or vomiting. The drug won't help treat these conditions. You shouldn't take Imodium for gas alone. However, gas can sometimes occur with diarrhea, bloating, abdominal pain, discomfort, or cramps.

Is loperamide a prescription drug?

Loperamide is FDA-approved to help control symptoms of diarrhea, including Travelers' Diarrhea. The maximum approved daily dose for adults is 8 mg per day for OTC use and 16 mg per day for prescription use. It is sold under the OTC brand name Imodium A-D, as store brands, and as generics.

Can I take loperamide every day?

Do not take more than the maximum daily dosage of Imodium. Also, do not take it longer than two days unless directed by your doctor to do so. You should see an improvement in your symptoms within two days. If you don't, call your doctor.

Can you take Imodium everyday for IBS?

For diarrhea-predominant IBS, 2 to 4 mg of loperamide up to four times a day can be effective.

How do you make yourself poop after Imodium?

Quick ways to make yourself poop

1. Take a fiber supplement. ...
2. Eat a serving of high-fiber food. ...
3. Drink a glass of water. ...
4. Take a laxative stimulant. ...
5. Take an osmotic. ...
6. Try a lubricant laxative. ...
7. Use a stool softener. ...
8. Try an enema.

How long does it take for loperamide to wear off?

The average half-life of loperamide is around 10.8 hours, although it can range from 9.1 to 14.4 hours. Since it generally takes five half-lives for a drug to be completely cleared from your system, a dose of loperamide should stay in your body for about 54 hours.

What is the best medicine for diarrhea and stomach cramps?

For cramping from diarrhea, medicines that have loperamide (Imodium) or bismuth subsalicylate (Kaopectate or Pepto-Bismol) might make you feel better. For other types of pain, acetaminophen (Aspirin Free Anacin, Liquiprin, Panadol, Tylenol) might be helpful.

What calms an irritable bowel?

Probiotics. Probiotics are "good" bacteria that normally live in your intestines and are found in certain foods, such as yogurt, and in dietary supplements. Recent studies suggest that certain probiotics may relieve IBS symptoms, such as abdominal pain, bloating and diarrhea. Stress reduction.

What are stools like with IBS?

Additionally, stool in the diarrhea-predominant type tends to be loose and watery and may contain mucus ( 10 ). Summary: Frequent, loose stools are common in IBS, and are a symptom of the diarrhea-predominant type. Stools may also contain mucus.

How do you get rid of stomach cramps and diarrhea?

Remedies and Treatments for Upset Stomach and Diarrhea

1. Clear soup broth or bouillon.
2. Decaffeinated tea.
3. Sports drinks.
4. Clear soft-drinks like 7-Up, Sprite, or Ginger Ale.
5. Juices like apple, grape, cherry, or cranberry (make sure to avoid citrus juices)
6. Popsicles.

How do you get rid of a bacterial infection in your stomach?

During a bout of intestinal infection, take care to do the following:

1. Drink plenty of fluids, for example water, coconut water and natural fruit juices;
2. Stay at home. ...
3. Eat light foods such as fruits, boiled vegetables and lean meat;
4. Don't eat indigestible and greasy foods;
5. Don't drink alcoholic or fizzy drinks;

What is the quickest way to get rid of a stomach bug?

While medical treatment is often not needed, there may be ways you can help relieve symptoms more quickly.

1. Drink adequate fluids to prevent dehydration. Adults and older children can drink sports drinks. ...
2. If you can keep food down: Eat mild, bland foods such as rice and bananas. ...
3. Over-the-counter (OTC) medications.