$Unique_ID{BRK03207}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{loperamide}
$Subject{Imodium Janssen Antidiarrheal loperamide acute chronic diarrhea
volume discharge ileostomies gastrointestinal tract water bowel}
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$Log{
Imodium*0320701.scf}

Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd.


loperamide
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BRAND NAME (Manufacturer)

     Imodium (Janssen)

TYPE OF DRUG

     Antidiarrheal

INGREDIENT

     loperamide

DOSAGE FORMS

     Capsules (2 mg)
     Oral liquid (1 mg per 5-ml spoonful) [*]
     * Available over-the-counter (without a prescription)

STORAGE

     Loperamide capsules and liquid should be stored at room temperature in
tightly closed containers.  This medication should never be frozen.

USES

     Loperamide is used to treat acute and chronic diarrhea and to reduce the
volume of discharge in patients who have ileostomies.  It acts by slowing the
movement of the gastrointestinal tract and decreasing the passage of water and
other substances into the bowel.

TREATMENT

     In order to avoid stomach upset, you can take loperamide with food or
with a full glass of water or milk.
     If you miss a dose of this medication, do not take the missed dose at
all; just return to your regular dosing schedule.  Do not double the next
dose.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Constipation, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, fatigue, loss of
appetite, nausea, or vomiting.  These effects should disappear as your body
adjusts to the drug.
     To relieve constipation, exercise and drink more water (unless your
doctor directs you to do otherwise).
     To reduce mouth dryness, chew sugarless gum or suck on ice chips or a
piece of hard candy.
     If you feel dizzy or light-headed, sit or lie down for a while; get up
from a sitting or lying position slowly, and be careful on stairs.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
abdominal bloating or pain, fever, rash, or sore throat.

INTERACTIONS

     Loperamide should not interact with any other drugs.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
any medications.
     * Tell your doctor if you now have or if you have ever had colitis,
diarrhea caused by infectious organisms, drug-induced diarrhea, liver disease,
dehydration, or conditions in which constipation must be avoided (such as
hemorrhoids, diverticulitis, heart or blood vessel disorders, or blood
clotting disorders).
     * If this drug makes you dizzy or drowsy, do not take part in any
activity that requires alertness.
     * Before having surgery or any other medical or dental treatment, be sure
to tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication.
     * Check with your doctor if your diarrhea does not subside within three
days.  Unless your doctor prescribes otherwise, do not take this drug for more
than ten days at a time.
     * While taking this medication, drink lots of fluids to replace those
lost because of diarrhea.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  The effects of this
medication during pregnancy have not been thoroughly studied in humans.  Also,
tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant.  It is not known whether
loperamide passes into breast milk.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.