Imodium capsule is generally well-tolerated and has a low risk of side effects. However, like any medication, it can cause side effects in some individuals. Imodium capsule's most common side effects include
- Constipation: Imodium capsule is used for loose motion, slowing down bowel movements and leading to constipation.
- Dizziness: Some patients may experience dizziness or lightheadedness while taking Imodium capsules.
- Nausea: Nausea, a common side effect of Imodium capsule, is usually mild and resolves on its own.
- Headaches: Headache is a typical side effect of the Imodium capsule, but it is generally mild and goes away.
- Flatulence: Flatulence is a mild side effect of Imodium capsule that can cause gas and bloating in some patients. Consult your doctor if these side effects do not disappear.
Managing the Side Effects
- Constipation: Stop taking Imodium capsule. Consume more fibre-rich foods like fruit, veggies, cereals, and lots of water if you suffer from constipation. You can also try natural laxatives, such as prunes or psyllium husk.
- Dizziness: If you get dizzy when you rise after taking an Imodium capsule, try getting up slowly or sit down until you feel better. If dizziness continues, lie down to avoid fainting, then remain until you feel better. Avoid driving, cycling, or using tools or machinery if you feel dizzy.
- Nausea: Consider consuming Imodium capsule with or after food. You can consume ginger tea to help manage nausea. Maintaining a simple diet and avoiding fatty or spicy foods may also be beneficial.
- Headaches: Taking rest and consuming plenty of fluids are essential. Don't consume too much alcohol. Consult your doctor if your headaches last longer. Use Hot or cold packs to relieve the pain.
- Flatulence: Avoid foods like lentils, beans, and onions that make you bloated. Eating smaller portions, eating more frequently, chewing food thoroughly, and exercising frequently may also be beneficial.
Precautions:
PREGNANCY
Imodium capsule in pregnancy is usually not recommended. There is insufficient information to say whether it is safe. Therefore if you're pregnant, consult your doctor before taking Imodium 2 mg capsule.
BREASTFEEDING
Imodium capsules may be found in trace quantities in human breast milk. As a result, an Imodium capsule when breastfeeding is not advised. Women who are breastfeeding their children should contact a doctor for appropriate treatment.
ALCOHOL
Avoid drinking alcohol while taking the Imodium capsule. Alcohol makes you sleepy or dizzy, and has difficulty concentrating.
LIVER
Imodium capsules should be used cautiously in people with liver disease. In this case, the Imodium capsule dose adjustment may be needed. Please consult your doctor for guidance.
KIDNEY
People with kidney disease should use Imodium capsules cautiously. However, inform your doctor if you have any underlying kidney disease.
USING MACHINES AND DRIVING
Do not drive or operate machinery, as Imodium capsules may make you feel dizzy, tired or sleepy.
ALLERGY
If you are allergic to loperamide or any other Imodium capsule ingredients, you may experience allergic reactions. If any of the allergic symptoms appear, get medical attention immediately.
USE IN CHILDREN
Imodium capsule is not recommended for children under 12. It is used cautiously in children above 12 for short-term diarrhoea. Consult your paediatrician for Imodium capsule’s paediatric dose advice.
USE IN OLDER PATIENTS
Imodium capsule should be used cautiously in elderly patients with severe diarrhoea due to loss of body fluids and electrolytes. Imodium capsule may interact with other medications that the older adult may be taking, so it is essential to consult a doctor before taking it.
Interaction
Drug-Drug Interactions
Imodium capsules may interact with several other drugs. Here are some of the significant drug-drug interactions of loperamide:
- Quinidine is used to treat heart rhythm disorders.
- Oral desmopressin is also used to treat bedwetting (nocturnal enuresis), frequent urination, and thirst.
- Itraconazole, ketoconazole are antifungal medicines.
- Ritonavir medicine is used to treat HIV infection.
- Gemfibrozil belongs to a group of medicines called fibrates. It is helpful for the reduction of triglycerides in patients with very high triglycerides serum levels.
- Diphenhydramine and cetirizine are antihistamines that relieve allergy symptoms like runny nose, watery eyes, itching and sneezing.
- Consult your doctor if you have severe diarrhoea. If you take metformin for diabetes or medicines for high BP or heart failure, your doctor may recommend you to stop taking these medicines for a few days until you get relief from diarrhoea.
Drug-food Interactions
- Alcohol consumption should not be combined with Imodium Capsule as it can cause extreme sleepiness or drowsiness.
- Patients taking Imodium capsules should refrain from eating fat-rich meals. High-fat meals may cause the body to take longer to absorb the medication from the Imodium capsule, reducing its efficacy.
Drug-Disease Interactions
Drug-disease interactions refer to the potential negative impact of certain medications on patients with specific medical conditions. In the case of the Imodium capsule, there are several drug-disease interactions that pharmacists and healthcare providers should be aware of.
- Ulcerative colitis: Imodium capsule is not recommended for ulcerative colitis patients, as they can cause complications such as toxic megacolon and colonic perforation.
- Liver disease: Patients with liver disease may have difficulty metabolising Imodium capsule, which can lead to toxicity and other adverse effects.
- Renal impairment: Imodium capsule is primarily excreted via the kidneys, so patients with renal impairment may experience prolonged and potentially harmful drug levels.
- Diarrhoea caused by certain infections: Imodium capsule may be contraindicated in cases of diarrhoea caused by bacterial infections. It can prolong the infection by preventing the body from spreading harmful bacteria.
- Glaucoma: Imodium capsule has been associated with increased intraocular pressure in some patients with glaucoma, which can lead to further damage to the optic nerve.
Doctors must consider these potential drug-disease interactions when prescribing or recommending Imodium capsules to patients.