What are the long term side effects of Imodium?

Heart Problems

The 2020 case report published byCureus indicates that Imodium misuse and abuse can cause irregular heartbeat. The FDA warns that Imodium at higher doses can cause QT interval prolongation, which means it takes longer for your heart to recharge between beats.

Can taking Imodium everyday hurt you?

Do not take more than the recommended amount. If you take 1 extra dose of loperamide as a one-off, it's unlikely to harm you. But taking higher doses can cause serious heart problems. The signs include having a fast or irregular heartbeat.

What are the side effects of taking Imodium everyday?

Can taking too much Imodium cause problems?

Imodium carries several risks when taken in excessive quantities, including: Cardiovascular risk: Imodium can cause an irregular heartbeat that can be fatal. Kidney damage risk: Because Imodium slows down the gastrointestinal system, unintended effects like kidney damage can occur when the bladder cannot fully empty.

Is it OK to take one Imodium every day for IBS?

For diarrhea-predominant IBS, 2 to 4 mg of loperamide up to four times a day can be effective.

Loperamide (Imodium) - Uses, Dosing, Side Effects | Pharmacist Review

Can you become immune to Imodium?

Loperamide is long-acting. Tolerance to the antidiarrheal effect of loperamide has not been observed.

What is the difference between Imodium and Imodium IBS?

IMODIUM^® Original capsules can stop diarrhoea in one dose. IMODIUM^® IBS Relief helps take control of your medically diagnosed IBS diarrhoea.

Does Imodium damage kidneys?

Extra sodium can increase your blood pressure. Loperamide (IMODIUM), kaolin-pectin (KAOPECTATE). Bismuth subsalicylate (PEPTO-BISMOL). This product contains salicylic acid that may harm your kidneys.

How many days in a row can you take Imodium?

You shouldn't use Imodium for more than 2 days in a row. A prescription-strength Imodium caplet is available for long-term use. It's usually prescribed to treat diarrhea caused by a chronic condition, such as inflammatory bowel disease. The recommended dosage for Imodium is based on age or weight.

Can Imodium cause bowel obstruction?

And this can lead to a dangerous obstruction (blockage) in your intestine. If you have constipation with abdominal (belly) swelling or bulging, or severe abdominal pain, stop taking Imodium. And see your doctor right away. These symptoms may indicate paralytic ileus.

Can you use Imodium long term?

Unless directed by a physician, Imodium isn't intended to treat long-term or chronic diarrhea. Side effects are possible, even when someone uses Imodium as directed or intended. Although some side effects are common and expected, a person who is abusing Imodium may have more serious side effects.

How does loperamide affect the heart?

Higher than recommended doses of loperamide can cause serious cardiac events, including QT interval prolongation, Torsades de Pointes, other ventricular arrhythmias, cardiac arrest, syncope, and death. Consider loperamide as a possible cause of these unexplained cardiac events.

What are the short term risks associated while taking loperamide?

This medicine may cause heart rhythm problems (eg, torsades de pointes, ventricular arrhythmias). Check with your doctor right away if you or your child have chest pain or discomfort, fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat, fainting, or trouble breathing. Loperamide may increase your risk for stomach or bowel problems.

Does Imodium help with IBS?

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medicines

Your doctor may suggest trying OTC diarrhea medicines such as bismuth subsalicylate (Kaopectate, Pepto-Bismol) and loperamide (Imodium) for relief. Researchers have found these drugs can help slow diarrhea, but they won't help with other IBS symptoms like belly pain or swelling.

What is the best over-the-counter medicine for IBS?

How do you treat chronic diarrhea?

Drink plenty of liquids, including water, broths and juices. Avoid caffeine and alcohol. Add semisolid and low-fiber foods gradually as your bowel movements return to normal. Try soda crackers, toast, eggs, rice or chicken.

Who should not take Imodium?

Ask your doctor before using loperamide to treat diarrhea caused by taking an antibiotic (Clostridium difficile). Do not give loperamide to a child younger than 2 years old. Do not give this medicine to an older child or teenager without a doctor's advice.

Which is better Pepto-Bismol or Imodium?

Imodium A-D slows the movement of fluids through your intestine and reduces the frequency and volume of your stools. Pepto-Bismol, on the other hand, reduces inflammation of your intestines and kills bacteria that cause diarrhea.

What are the first signs of kidney disease?

Generally, earlier stages are known as 1 to 3. And as kidney disease progresses, you may notice the following symptoms. Nausea and vomiting, muscle cramps, loss of appetite, swelling via feet and ankles, dry, itchy skin, shortness of breath, trouble sleeping, urinating either too much or too little.

How much Imodium is safe?

Adults and teenagers—The usual dose is 4 mg (2 tablets) after the first loose bowel movement, and 2 mg (1 tablet) after each loose bowel movement after the first dose has been taken. No more than 8 mg (4 tablets) should be taken in any 24-hour period.

Does Imodium interact with any medications?

A total of 330 drugs are known to interact with Imodium (loperamide), categorized as 43 major, 286 moderate, and 1 minor interactions.

Can Imodium make IBS worse?

Can over-the-counter medicine ease diarrhea from IBS? Yes, OTC anti-diarrhea medications, such as Imodium, Pepto-Bismol, and Kaopectate, can relieve diarrhea in people with IBS. However, these drugs can have side effects and they're meant to be used only short-term.

Can you get constipated from Imodium?

While IMODIUM^® products work to help stop diarrhea, the rate of associated constipation is low. Less than 3% of participants in clinical studies experienced constipation as result of taking IMODIUM^® products to treat their symptoms.

Do probiotics help IBS?

Probiotics can effectively treat the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) unless you also suffer from small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). If you have SIBO, probiotics may worsen your digestive discomfort. If you test negative for SIBO, probiotics are an excellent treatment option for IBS.

Is it OK to take anti diarrhea medicine everyday?

If you will be taking this medicine for acute diarrhea, you should not use it for more than 2 days, unless directed by your doctor. Check with your doctor if your diarrhea does not stop after two days or if you develop a fever.