How long imodium work

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Last Updated: August 2, How Does Imodium Work? Loperamide Pharmacodynamics Much of what Imodium does comes down to pharmacodynamics. Loperamide Absorption Absorption determines how fast Imodium works. Loperamide Protein Binding Loperamide protein binding occurs primarily in the gut wall. Loperamide Route Of Elimination Loperamide is primarily excreted through the feces.

Using Imodium for recreational purposes may cause many adverse side effects and overdose. Hope Without Commitment.

Myth Buster. How your digestive system works When your digestive system is in its normal rhythm, food and fluid pass regularly from the stomach into the small intestine. What happens when you get diarrhoea When your digestive system becomes irritated, the normally steady and regular movement of the intestines can become overactive.

How Imodium works Why treat diarrhoea? The recommended maximum dose in 24 hours is: 6 capsules or tablets, if you buy loperamide from a shop 8 capsules or tablets, or 16 spoonfuls of liquid 5ml each , if you have a prescription or buy loperamide from a pharmacy Do not take loperamide for more than 48 hours without talking to a doctor. Adults over 18 with long-lasting or recurring diarrhoea Most cases of diarrhoea get better in 5 to 7 days.

The usual starting dose is: 2 to 4 capsules or tablets, spaced evenly throughout the day 4 to 8 spoonfuls of liquid loperamide 5ml each , spaced evenly throughout the day Your doctor will adjust your dose according to your symptoms and how well loperamide is working, up to a maximum of: 8 tablets or capsules in 24 hours 16 spoonfuls of liquid loperamide 5ml each in 24 hours Once you're on the right dose, your doctor will usually recommend dividing your daily dose, so you take half in the morning and half in the afternoon or evening.

Children's doses Do not give loperamide to children under 12 years old unless their doctor prescribes it. Age 12 years and over with short-term diarrhoea — the dose is the same as for adults. Age 12 to 17 years with IBS or long-lasting diarrhoea — follow the instructions from their doctor. This is given on prescription only. Age 11 years or younger — follow the instructions from their doctor. What if I forget to take it?

Do not take a double dose to make up for the one you forgot. What if I take too much? Do not take more than the recommended amount. Urgent advice: Contact for advice now if:. Common side effects These common side effects happen in more than 1 in people. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if these side effects bother you or do not go away: constipation difficulty doing a poo feeling dizzy feeling sick headaches farting wind Serious side effects It's rare to have a serious side effect with loperamide.

Tell a doctor straight away if you: feel faint or less alert, or if you pass out faint start moving in a clumsy, uncoordinated way Serious allergic reaction In rare cases, it's possible to have a serious allergic reaction anaphylaxis to loperamide.

Information: You can report any suspected side effect using the Yellow Card safety scheme. Visit Yellow Card for further information. What to do about: constipation — stop taking loperamide. If you have constipation, eat more fibre by having fresh fruit, vegetables and cereals, and drink plenty of water.

Try to exercise regularly, for example by going for a daily walk or run. If this does not help, talk to your pharmacist or doctor. If you begin to feel dizzy, lie down so that you do not faint, then sit until you feel better. Avoid driving, cycling, or using tools or machines if you feel dizzy. It may also help if you stick to simple meals and avoid rich or spicy food. Do not drink too much alcohol.

Ask your pharmacist to recommend a painkiller. Talk to your doctor if the headaches last longer than a week or are severe. It might also help to eat smaller and more frequent meals, eat and drink slowly, and exercise regularly. There are products you can buy from a pharmacy to help with wind.

Loperamide can be bought mixed with simeticone, a medicine for wind. Loperamide in pregnancy Loperamide is not usually recommended in pregnancy. If you're pregnant, talk to your doctor before taking loperamide. Loperamide and breastfeeding It is OK to take loperamide for a couple of days while you're breastfeeding. Non-urgent advice: Tell your doctor if you're:. There are some medicines that can affect the way loperamide works.

Check with a pharmacist or doctor if you're taking: ritonavir, used to treat HIV infection quinidine, used to treat abnormal heartbeats or malaria itraconazole, used to treat fungal infections gemfibrozil, used to treat high cholesterol desmopressin, used for bedwetting or peeing too much other medicines for diarrhoea, constipation, or any other stomach and bowel problems Speak to your doctor if your diarrhoea is very severe and you take metformin for diabetes, or medicines for high blood pressure or heart failure.

Mixing loperamide with herbal remedies or supplements There's very little information about taking herbal remedies and supplements with loperamide. Important: Medicine safety Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you're taking any other medicines, including herbal medicines, vitamins or supplements.

How does loperamide work? How long does loperamide take to work? Imodium slows down the movement of digested food through the colon. The medicine aims to improve your symptoms in under an hour. Bear in mind however that Imodium will be most effective roughly 16 - 24 hours after you first take it. Depending on the cause of your diarrhoea, it may take 2 to 4 days for your diarrhoea to subside.

In most cases, Imodium can bring relief from diarrhoea within 48 hours. If you are unsure as to which form is right for you, talk to a pharmacist about your symptoms, and they should be able to help you make the right decision.

Some supermarkets and pharmacies sell in-house brands of loperamide capsules , commonly referred to as "anti-diarrhoeal" or "diarrhoea relief" on the label. Some products even contain the term "IBS" to tell that customers that they can be used in diarrhoea resulting from irritable bowl syndrome. Try not to make a habit of taking Imodium as it won't address the root cause of your sudden bowel disturbances.

Once you have gained control of your bowel movements, look for the reason why you have diarrhoea in the first place, and tackle it head-on. Do not take Imodium for more than 48 hours without speaking to a doctor, if you initially bought it to treat short-term diarrhoea.