Contents
How long until Imodium is out of your system
How Long Does it Take for Imodium to Leave Your System? – The half-life of a drug is the time it takes the full amount in your body to be reduced by half. Imodium’s half-life is between 9.1 and 14.4 hours. The average time it takes for the body to eliminate the drug is 10.8 hours.
Can I drink alcohol 5 hours after taking Imodium?
Children younger than 12 years – Dosage should be based on weight. If the child’s weight isn’t known, dosage should be based on age:
Children 60 to 95 pounds (ages 9 to 11 years): 2 mg to start, then 1 mg after each loose stool that occurs after that. Don’t take more than 6 mg per day. Children 48 to 59 pounds (ages 6 to 8 years): 2 mg to start, then 1 mg after each loose stool that occurs after that. Don’t take more than 4 mg per day. Children 29 to 47 pounds (ages 2 to 5 years): Use Imodium only on the advice of a pediatrician. Children under 2 years: Do not give Imodium to children younger than 2 years of age.
Some people experience drowsiness after taking Imodium. If you’re taking Imodium for the first time, avoid potentially risky activities, such as driving, until you know how your body will react. It’s also advisable to avoid alcohol when taking Imodium.
- Drinking alcohol may increase the risk of some side effects, such as dizziness and fatigue.
- Finally, keep in mind that certain food and drinks may exacerbate diarrhea and related symptoms.
- Try to avoid caffeine and dairy, along with foods that are spicy, fatty, fried, or high in fiber until your bowel movements have returned to normal.
Imodium is generally well tolerated by many people. However, it can sometimes cause side effects.
Can you drink alcohol after taking diarrhea medicine
There is 1 alcohol/food/lifestyle interaction with Anti-Diarrheal (loperamide). Alcohol can increase the nervous system side effects of loperamide such as dizziness, drowsiness, and difficulty concentrating. Some people may also experience impairment in thinking and judgment.
- You should avoid or limit the use of alcohol while being treated with loperamide.
- Do not use more than the recommended dose of loperamide, and avoid activities requiring mental alertness such as driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medication affects you.
- Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns.
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Can I drink alcohol after taking Imodium?
9. Common questions about loperamide – How does loperamide work? Loperamide is an anti-motility medicine. This means that it slows down food as it goes through your gut. Your body can then draw in more water from your intestines, so that your poos get firmer and you poo less often.
- How long does loperamide take to work? Loperamide usually starts to work within 1 hour to make your diarrhoea better.
- How long will I take it for? Most people only need to take loperamide for 1 to 2 days.
- You may need to take it for longer if your diarrhoea is because of a bowel condition such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis or short bowel syndrome.
If you’ve bought loperamide from a shop or pharmacy, do not take it for more than 48 hours without talking to a doctor. Why is it important not to take loperamide for longer than recommended? If you’ve bought loperamide from a shop or pharmacy, do not take it for more than 48 hours without talking to a doctor.
Although diarrhoea is usually nothing to worry about, it can sometimes lead to dehydration, This can be serious if you do not get the correct treatment. Diarrhoea can also sometimes be a warning sign of another problem. For this reason, it’s important to see a doctor to find out the cause of your diarrhoea if it continues beyond 7 days.
Is it safe to take for a long time? If you’ve bought loperamide for short-term diarrhoea, do not take it for longer than 48 hours without talking to a doctor. Loperamide may be used for long-lasting diarrhoea and by people who have a colostomy (stoma) if their doctor prescribes it.
- Can I take loperamide to prevent diarrhoea? Do not take loperamide to prevent diarrhoea, unless your doctor tells you to.
- It’s not been officially approved and tested for preventing diarrhoea.
- Can I drink alcohol with it? It’s best not to drink alcohol while you’re taking loperamide.
- Alcohol makes you more likely to have side effects such as feeling sleepy or dizzy and having difficulty concentrating.
Is there any food or drink I need to avoid? Apart from avoiding alcohol, you can eat and drink normally while you’re taking loperamide. However, if you have diarrhoea it’s best to avoid fatty or spicy food. Can I drive or ride a bike? Loperamide can make you feel dizzy, tired or sleepy.
You might also feel less alert, feel faint or pass out. If this happens to you do not drive, cycle or use machinery or tools until the effect has worn off. Can I take loperamide with painkillers? Yes, you can take loperamide at the same time as everyday painkillers like paracetamol and ibuprofen, Are there any other treatments that could help diarrhoea? There is another medicine for diarrhoea called co-phenotrope.
This works in a similar way to loperamide to slow down your gut. You do not usually need an antibiotic for diarrhoea. However, occasionally your doctor will prescribe an antibiotic if you have severe diarrhoea caused by a specific kind of bacteria. Speak to a pharmacist if you have signs of dehydration, such as peeing less than usual or having dark, strong-smelling pee.
What should you not take after taking Imodium?
The bottom line. Imodium A-D can interact with clarithromycin, omeprazole, and antidepressants like fluoxetine and citalopram. It can also interact with tonic water and grapefruit or grapefruit juice. These interactions can increase the risk of side effects and serious heart rhythm problems.
Do you still poop after taking Imodium
Will IMODIUM® Make It Hard For Me To Poop? – IMODIUM® slows down the movement (contractions) in your intestine so that you pass firmer stools less often. But usually, the drug doesn’t completely stop you from having bowel movements 3, Constipation may occur.
Can you take Imodium for diarrhea after drinking?
Use antidiarrheal medications as needed, such as Imodium A-D or Pepto-Bismol. Consider taking probiotics. They’re available in pill or liquid form. Talk to your doctor about how much your dosage should be.
Why do you take Imodium on an empty stomach?
1 Half teaspoon (2.5ml) Half a milligram 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.
Is it better to just let diarrhea run its course?
Since diarrhea is your body’s way of getting rid of toxins, it is best to let it run its course. However, you may use over-the-counter antidiarrheal remedies for convenience, including: Attapulgite (Kaopectate) Loperamide (Imodium)
How long should you wait to drink after diarrhea?
Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea For Nausea, Vomiting and Diarrhea :
Avoid eating and drinking for two hours after the last episode of vomiting. Start with small amounts of clear liquids, such as water, ice, popsicles, sports drinks, clear broth or Jell-O for the first 24 hours. Avoid alcohol, caffeinated beverages, and fruit juice. Over the next 24-48 hours, advance to the BRAT diet ( B -bananas, R -rice (white) A -apple sauce (no juice), T -toast) but choices may also include chicken soup, plain pasta, saltine crackers and pretzels. Slowly incorporate other foods, but avoid alcohol, coffee, spicy foods, salad/raw vegetables, milk/milk products, and fried foods for the next 3-5 days.
When to seek medical help
Severe abdominal pain lasting more than 4 hours Severe headache or stiff neck Blood in vomit or stool Persistent dizziness or confusion Fever over 101°F for more than 24 hours (38.3°C) Unable to tolerate sips of fluids for more than 8 hours Not urinating for more than 8 hours Worsening symptoms or no improvement after 48 hours You have diabetes or have other chronic medical conditions
Food handlers and child care employees need to be symptom free for 48 hours and require medical clearance to return to work. Diet Instructions for Vomiting & Diarrhea Avoid eating and drinking for two hours after the last episode of vomiting. First 24 hours LIQUIDS
Ice chips Clear soups, broth Jell-O Popsicles Flat Soda, ginger ale, cola Sports drinks Bouillon Weak Tea
Next 24 – 48 hours SOFT SOLID FOODS
Chicken noodle/rice soup Cooked, mild vegetables Applesauce/bananas Eggs (not fried) Potatoes (baked or mashed) Ready-to-eat cereal (no milk) Chicken Fish Cooked cereal Toast with jelly Canned pears/peaches Plain pasta Rice Saltines Pretzels
FOODS TO AVOID FOR 3 – 5 DAYS
Alcohol Coffee Spicy Foods Salads and raw vegetables Whole grain breads and bran cereals Milk/milk products Fried foods Strong flavored vegetables
: Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea
Should I drink water with Imodium?
A safe dose of loperamide is different for an adult than for a child. Doses in children are based on the child’s age. Take loperamide with a full glass of water. Diarrhea can cause your body to lose fluids and electrolytes.
How many Imodium can I drink
Dosing – The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor’s orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
For acute diarrhea:
For oral dosage form (capsules):
Adults and children 13 years of age and older—At first, 4 milligrams (mg) (2 capsules) after the first loose bowel movement, then 2 mg (1 capsule) after each loose bowel movement after the first dose has been taken. However, dose is usually not more than 16 mg (8 capsules). Children 8 to 12 years of age weighing more than 30 kilograms (kg)—2 mg (1 capsule) 3 times a day. Children 6 to 8 years of age weighing 20 to 30 kg—2 mg (1 capsule) 2 times a day. Children 2 to 5 years of age weighing 20 kg or less—Use the oral solution. Children younger than 2 years of age—Use is not recommended.
For oral dosage form (oral solution):
Children 8 to 12 years of age weighing more than 30 kilograms (kg)—2 teaspoonfuls (2 mg) 3 times a day. Children 6 to 8 years of age weighing 20 to 30 kg—2 teaspoonfuls (2 mg) 3 times a day. Children 2 to 5 years of age weighing 13 to 20 kg—1 teaspoonful (1 mg) 3 times a day. Children younger than 2 years of age—Use is not recommended.
For oral dosage form (tablets):
Adults and teenagers—The usual dose is 4 mg (2 tablets) after the first loose bowel movement, and 2 mg (1 tablet) after each loose bowel movement after the first dose has been taken. No more than 8 mg (4 tablets) should be taken in any 24-hour period. Children 9 to 11 years of age—The usual dose is 2 mg (1 tablet) after the first loose bowel movement, and 1 mg (½ tablet) after each loose bowel movement after the first dose has been taken. No more than 6 mg (3 tablets) should be taken in any 24-hour period. Children 6 to 8 years of age—The usual dose is 2 mg (1 tablet) after the first loose bowel movement, and 1 mg (½ tablet) after each loose bowel movement after the first dose has been taken. No more than 4 mg (2 tablets) should be taken in any 24-hour period. Children up to 6 years of age—Use is not recommended unless directed by your doctor.
For chronic diarrhea:
For oral dosage form (capsules):
Adults—At first, 4 milligrams (mg) (2 capsules) after the first loose bowel movement, then 2 mg (1 capsule) after each loose bowel movement after the first dose has been taken. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. However, dose is usually not more than 16 mg (8 capsules) per day. Children 2 years of age and older—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor. Children younger than 2 years of age—Use is not recommended.
Can you drink coffee with Imodium?
Instructions – This medicine may be taken with or without food. Store at room temperature in a dry place. Do not keep in the bathroom. Keep the medicine away from heat and light. Drink plenty of water while on this medicine. Avoid drinks with caffeine while on this medicine.
Should I eat before or after Imodium
You can take Loperamide either 30 minutes before a meal or when your bowels are generally more active. If your bowel is generally active all the time you can take it twice a day morning and evening.
Will Imodium prolong a stomach virus?
My Child Is Not Hungry. Is That Normal? – Yes. It is normal if your child is not hungry while they are sick. If your child wants to eat, you can start with small amounts of foods. Do not give your child food with lots of fat and avoid sugary foods. Rev.5/2020.
- Mass General for Children and Massachusetts General Hospital do not endorse any of the brands listed on this handout.
- This handout is intended to provide health information so that you can be better informed.
- It is not a substitute for medical advice and should not be used to treatment of any medical conditions.
: Viral Gastroenteritis: What You Need To Know
How long is too long for diarrhea?
What causes diarrhea? – Diarrhea may be caused by many things, including:
A bacterial infection A virus Trouble digesting certain things (food intolerance) Food allergy (such as celiac disease, gluten allergy) Parasites that enter the body through food or water A reaction to medicines An intestinal disease, such as inflammatory bowel disease A problem with how your stomach and bowels work (functional bowel disorder), such as irritable bowel syndrome A result of surgery on the stomach or gall bladder Recent antibiotic use Metabolic conditions such as thyroid problems Other less common reasons such as damage from radiation treatments or tumors that make too many hormones
Many people get traveler’s diarrhea. This happens when you have food or water that is not safe because of bacteria, parasites, and even food poisoning. Severe diarrhea may mean you have a serious disease. See your healthcare provider if your symptoms don’t go away or if they keep you from doing your daily activities. It may be hard to find out what is causing your diarrhea.
Does Imodium just delay diarrhea?
Imodium will usually help to slow down your acute diarrhea in the first hour, but if your diarrhea continues you may need to take additional doses in the same day. Take no more than the recommended maximum dose per day. If your symptoms worsen or you have diarrhea that lasts for more than 2 days, contact your healthcare provider.
- Most people only need to take Imodium for a day or two.
- Longer-lasting diarrhea or diarrhea that consistently comes and goes might mean you have an underlying medical condition, so you should talk to your doctor.
- Be sure to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of clear fluids like oral rehydration solutions such as Pedialyte.
These products generally contain a specific mixture of salt, glucose and water to help replace lost carbohydrates and electrolytes. Imodium A-D (loperamide) is available as an over-the-counter (OTC) product at pharmacies, grocery stores and other retail shops to treat diarrhea, including traveler’s diarrhea,
It comes OTC as an oral tablet (caplet), oral capsule (softgel), and oral solution. Some products can be used for children 6 years of age and older. Generic loperamide capsules are still available by prescription, but they are the same strength as the generic OTC caplets or softgels (2 mg).
Follow the dosing directions for your specific Imodium A-D product. Do not take more than the recommended dose on the Drug Facts label. Taking more Imodium than recommended can lead to dangerous heart problems. If you have any questions, ask your pharmacist or doctor.
Does Imodium stop diarrhea or just slow it down?
IMODIUM ® products contain an active ingredient called Loperamide, which works by slowing down the movement of fluid through the gut. This allows for overall greater absorption of valuable fluids and salts back into your system and treats diarrhea symptoms.
Can I take Imodium on an empty stomach
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer –
If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor. Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else’s drugs. Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about Imodium Multi-Symptom Relief (loperamide and simethicone), please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider. If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.
Is it better to just let diarrhea run its course?
Since diarrhea is your body’s way of getting rid of toxins, it is best to let it run its course. However, you may use over-the-counter antidiarrheal remedies for convenience, including: Attapulgite (Kaopectate) Loperamide (Imodium)
What happens if diarrhea doesn’t stop after Imodium?
If you have longer lasting or persistently recurrent diarrhoea, it might indicate an underlying medical condition, so you should talk to your doctor. Do not take Imodium for longer than 48 hours. See a doctor and and stop taking Imodium ® if: Your diarrhoea is severe.
Will Imodium prolong a stomach virus
My Child Is Not Hungry. Is That Normal? – Yes. It is normal if your child is not hungry while they are sick. If your child wants to eat, you can start with small amounts of foods. Do not give your child food with lots of fat and avoid sugary foods. Rev.5/2020.
- Mass General for Children and Massachusetts General Hospital do not endorse any of the brands listed on this handout.
- This handout is intended to provide health information so that you can be better informed.
- It is not a substitute for medical advice and should not be used to treatment of any medical conditions.
: Viral Gastroenteritis: What You Need To Know