Drug

Imodium

definition

Imodium® is the trade name of a drug that is used in particular for acute diarrheal diseases. The full name is Imodium akut®, which is offered in various products. The active ingredient is loperamide.

Imodium® is available in pharmacies without a prescription, it is one of the most powerful over-the-counter drugs for diarrhea. Imodium® should be available in the first-aid kit, especially when traveling to countries with lower hygiene standards.

Active ingredient

The active ingredient in all products in the range Imodium acute® is Loperamide.

Loperamide is a Opioid (Has morphine-like Properties through Attack on the opioid binding sites), which is mainly in the Gastrointestinal tract works and therefore usually no side effects by influencing the central nervous system shows. In addition to all Imodium® products, the active ingredient loperamide can also be found in numerous other products.

Loperamide binds to you Opioid receptor (Binding site for opioids) in the intestinal wall. This will make the Movement of the chair slowed downwhereby the intestinal contents prolonged contact with the intestinal wall Has. This causes the various transporters in the intestinal wall to make the stool withdraw more water can cause the stool to thicken. This explains the symptomatic effect in diarrhea, where the stool is too liquid due to an increased water content.

L.eat more on the subject: Loperamide

Imodium® does fix it not the cause diarrhea (e.g. infection of the intestine by viruses or bacteria), but alleviates the symptoms diarrhea by reducing the water and salt loss caused by frequent, watery diarrhea. The body's own immune system then leads to a Elimination of the germs that cause disease.

application

Imodium® is used to treat acute (especially travelers' diarrhea) and partly used for chronic diarrheal diseases.

Imodium® can be self-medicated for diarrhea as indicated below. In the case of chronic diarrheal diseases, Imodium® should only be taken after consultation with the attending physician.

Imodium® works quickly, so that many patients no longer have diarrhea after 12 hours.

Instructions for taking:

It is also important to drink enough fluids while taking Imodium®. Otherwise, the diarrheal disease in particular can lead to immense fluid and salt losses, which are especially important. can lead to cardiac and kidney dysfunction.

A bland diet should also be followed at the same time in order to heal the intestinal wall. For this purpose, flatulent, spicy and laxative foods should be avoided in particular. On the other hand, sugared drinks and salty pastries are particularly suitable for a temporary diet in case of diarrhea.

Dosage in adults

At acute diarrhea should initially 4mg loperamide (Active ingredient in Imodium®). After every new liquid stools should again 2mg loperamide be taken. The maximum dose in a day is allowed Do not exceed 16mg loperamide.

Is the bowel movement back to normal or is over a period of No more bowel movements for 12 hours has occurred, Imodium® therapy must be stopped. Overall, Imodium® no more than two days be taken. If there is no improvement by then, must absolutely consulted a doctor become.

Dosage in children

The dose in children depends on age and body weight. The use of Imodium® is forbidden for children under two years of age.

For children between 6 and 12 years of age, the following applies: In the event of acute diarrhea, 2 mg loperamide should be taken first. After each new liquid stool, 2mg loperamide should be taken again. The maximum dose in one day must not exceed 6 mg loperamide per 20 kg body weight (example: for a child weighing 40 kg, the maximum dose per day is 12 mg).

In children in particular, diarrhea can very quickly lead to a life-threatening loss of fluids and salts. If it is not possible to give children sufficient fluids, a hospital must be visited early to give the children infusions.

Products with Imodium®

Imodium® is used in numerous forms of administration, especially as Imodium® acute for the treatment of acute diarrheal diseases.

Tablet forms (including orodispersible tablets, hard capsules, soft capsules) 2mg loperamide per piece. There is also Imodium® in the form of a solution where 2mg loperamide in 1ml of the solution are included.

Capsules and tablets should swallowed whole , on the other hand, orodispersible tablets melt on the tongue. Effervescent tablets must be dissolved in liquid and drunk completely.

Side effects and contraindications

Both Side effects of Imodium® a distinction can be made between common and rare side effects.

To the frequently observed Side effects include:

Dry mouth
Headache, Dizziness
nausea, Vomit
Flatulence, Abdominal cramps, colic
constipation

Rare can be watched:

Allergic reaction with skin rash, itching or life-threatening allergic skin reactions (Stevens-Johnson syndrome, Lyell syndrome, erythema multiforme)
Intestinal obstruction (Ileus)
Megacolon with enlarged colon and impaired intestinal transport
Urinary retention (urination no longer possible)
Clouded consciousness (drowsiness)

The Driving vehicles when taking loperamide is not forbiddenHowever, if you feel weak or dizzy due to diarrhea, it should be avoided to be on the safe side.

Imodium is allowed not taken become at:

constipation
Allergy to loperamide
Intestinal diseases with the risk of intestinal obstruction (Colon polyps, Colon cancer)
Diarrhea after taking antibiotics (pseudomembranous colitis)
Diarrhea associated with inflammatory bowel disease (Ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease)
Diarrhea caused by certain bacteria (Shigella, Salmonella, Campylobacter)
Diarrhea with fever and bloody diarrhea
Liver disease with impaired liver function

Use during pregnancy and breastfeeding

Imodium® should be in the pregnancy cannot be used independently, as it is not clear whether it is a Damage to the embryo comes from taking the mother.

Breastfeeding women should also not take Imodium®, as the active ingredient through breast milk on the child can pass.