How do diarrhea tablets work

The process makes your bowel movements smaller, more solid, and less frequent. It also decreases the amount of fluids and electrolytes your body loses. Imodium is available as a caplet and a liquid. Both forms are taken by mouth. These forms should be used for no more than two days. However, the caplet is also available in a prescription form that may be used long-term. The prescription-strength form is used to treat diarrhea caused by digestive diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease.

The recommended dosage is 4 mg to start, followed by 2 mg for each loose stool that occurs after that. Dosage should be based on weight. When using either weight or age, use the following information:. Imodium is generally well-tolerated by many people.

However, it can sometimes cause some side effects. Serious side effects of Imodium are rare. Call your doctor right away if you have any of the following:. Imodium interacts with certain drugs that break down in the body in the same way. The interactions can lead to increased levels of either medication in your body. Imodium also interacts with other anti-diarrheal drugs or medications that cause constipation.

Imodium is a safe medication for most people. However, it should be used carefully. And in some cases, it should be avoided. The following warnings can help keep you safe. 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. Your diarrhea may be caused by bacteria, a virus, or another cause.

This may require treatment with a different medication. These symptoms likely mean there is a problem in your stomach or intestines. Many bacteria, viruses, and other germs can cause diarrhoea. In most cases the diarrhoea settles as your body's immune system clears the infection. Antidiarrhoeal medicines like loperamide may not be necessary; however, they can be helpful if you wish to reduce the number of trips that you need to make to the toilet.

Most people only need to take loperamide for a day or so. Loperamide works by slowing down the activity of your bowel. This reduces the speed at which the contents pass through, and so food remains in your intestines for longer. This allows more water to be absorbed back into your body and results in firmer stools that are passed less often. Because loperamide regulates the passage of food through the digestive system, it can also help people with diarrhoea associated with irritable bowel syndrome, and people who need help to regulate their bowel activity following surgery on the intestines.

You can buy loperamide from retail outlets or get it on prescription from your doctor; however, it is not suitable for children under the age of 12 years unless it has been prescribed by a doctor. To make sure this is the right treatment for you, before you start taking loperamide it is important that you speak with your doctor or pharmacist:.

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains some of the most common ones associated with loperamide. You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine. The unwanted effects often improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to loperamide, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for further advice. Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else might have taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital.

Take the container with you, even if it is empty. If you are having an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking. The result is loose or watery stools, commonly known as diarrhea. This allows the body to start absorbing fluids and salts as it should and to restore the consistency of stools.

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