Imodium how long does it stay in your system

Online distributors of the medication must provide a limit of selling no more than one package per person. Warnings about heart issues as a result of overdose have also been more clearly defined on packaging of Imodium Loperamide. The U. Food and Drug Administration deemed no more than 8 mg per day typically 4 capsules for over-the-counter use of Loperamide, however, when prescribed by a medical professional, the dosage sometimes goes up to a maximum of 16 mg.

Loperamide can be an alternative for those who struggle with opioid addiction including Oxycontin or Vicodin addiction , as it is a less costly and easier to obtain.

Overdose of Loperamide has also resulted in cardiac arrest in multiple cases. In , the Federal Drug Administration brought attention to the dangerous effects of Loperamide.

Heart-related issues have been reported in those who used high dosages of the drug, therefore more education and information for medical professionals has been released to prevent high dosages of Loperamide from being prescribed by physicians. Because someone experiencing a loperamide overdose may develop central nervous system depression, after acute toxicity is treated, extra observation of the patient is necessary for at least 48 hours.

Diarrhea is a common and significant side effect of opioid withdrawal. Therefore, Imodium Loperamide may be prescribed to address the diarrhea and prevent dangerous dehydration. Imodium Loperamide is sometimes inappropriately used by individuals self-medicating opiate withdrawal symptoms other than diarrhea. At very high doses, Imodium will cross the blood-brain barrier and impact the opioid receptors in the brain.

This allows the individual to taper the impact of their opioid dependence withdrawal, however, it is a dangerous procedure. Addiction treatment at Recovery Centers of America consists of a medically monitored detox as part of inpatient addiction treatment. Dependence and addiction on any opioid should be treated by medical professionals who can prescribe medications to make the withdrawal safer and more comfortable.

After the detox process, treatment will include one- on- one therapy and group therapy sessions, relapse prevention skill development, and various services that may help sustain recovery such as mindful meditation, seminars on healthy lifestyle techniques, and ways to maintain meaningful connections during the recovery process.

If you need immediate short-term relief, taking loperamide can reduce the number of times you go to the toilet and it makes your poo less watery. Do not give loperamide to children under 12 years old unless their doctor has prescribed it. If you've bought loperamide from a pharmacy or shop, do not take it for more than 48 hours without talking to a doctor.

Only take the recommended amount. Too much loperamide can cause serious heart problems including a fast or irregular heartbeat. Pharmacies and supermarkets may sell their own brands of loperamide, usually called anti-diarrhoea or diarrhoea relief capsules.

Some products have IBS in the name. However, they're no different from others. Loperamide is available to buy without a prescription for: anyone aged 12 and older with short-term diarrhoea an adult 18 years and older with IBS diarrhoea, but only if a doctor has diagnosed IBS.

If you are not sure whether you have IBS, talk to your doctor It's available on prescription only for: children again 11 years and younger young people aged 12 to 17 years with IBS or long-lasting diarrhoea adults with long-lasting diarrhoea. Younger children Only give loperamide to children aged 11 years or under if their doctor prescribes it. Loperamide is not suitable for some people. How to take it You can take loperamide with or without food.

Capsules and tablets: swallow these whole, with a drink of water. Dosage and strength Loperamide comes as: tablets and capsules that contain 2mg of loperamide liquid that contains 1mg of loperamide in a 5ml spoonful The recommended dose depends on the type of diarrhoea you have and your age.

Adults over 18 , with short-term diarrhoea or IBS The usual starting dose is: capsules or tablets: take 2 capsules or tablets, taken immediately. Then take 1 capsule or tablet after each runny poo. Then take 2 spoonfuls after each runny poo.

Stop taking loperamide as soon as your symptoms settle down. 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. Blood concentration levels of loperamide are highest around five hours after someone takes it in capsule form and around 2.

Loperamide is excreted from the system of a person primarily through feces. One may also ask, what does Imodium do to your body? This medication is used to treat sudden diarrhea including traveler's diarrhea. It works by slowing down the movement of the gut. This decreases the number of bowel movements and makes the stool less watery.

Loperamide is also used to reduce the amount of discharge in patients who have undergone an ileostomy. Loperamide is a very safe drug to take and does not interact with other medication.

It is safe to take long term to help control symptoms. It can result in constipation if too high a dose is taken. Symptoms of an Imodium overdose may include dizziness, drowsiness, urinating less than usual, bloating, severe stomach cramps, or vomiting. Contact a poison control center or go to an emergency room immediately if you suspect an overdose.

Many people think diarrhea is a sign that your body is trying to get rid of something, so it's better to let it 'flush' any bacteria or toxins out of the body. But diarrhea is not a defence mechanism. It's your immune system that fights infection, so there's no need to leave diarrhea to run its course. Your diarrhea may be caused by bacteria, a virus, or another cause. This may require treatment with a different medication.

Don't take Imodium if you have blood in your stools or black stools. These symptoms likely mean there is a problem in your stomach or intestines. Two types of meds relieve diarrhea in different ways: Loperamide Imodium slows the movement of food through your intestines, which lets your body absorb more liquid.

Bismuth subsalicylate Kaopectate, Pepto-Bismol balances out how fluid moves through your digestive tract. As a result, there is greater overall absorption and a decrease in a stool volume. If you are taking the chewable tablet form of Imodium , you should take it on an empty stomach.

The tablets should be chewed completely before swallowing. If you are taking the dissolving tablets, you should dry your hands before opening the pack to remove a tablet. Acute diarrhea can last anywhere from 2 days to 2 weeks.