Abdominal discomfort and the embarrassing problem of diarrhea are quite common in our daily lives. But if you don’t take action in time and don’t take an Imodium or Loperamide tablet, you can get out of your usual rhythm of life and lose your ability to work.
Of course, there are many medications for the treatment of diarrhea, and choosing the most effective one without medical education is quite difficult. Therefore, in this article we will look at two popular drugs for indigestion and explain which is better: Imodium or Loperamide.
Description and composition
The main active ingredient of this drug is loperamide hydrochloride. Excipients are also added to the tablets. In pharmacies you can find this drug in the form of lozenges and capsules.
The purpose of the drug is to stop diarrhea. After taking the drug, the movement of feces through the intestines slows down, and intestinal motility weakens. The tone of the rectal sphincter increases, the urge to defecate becomes less frequent. The absorption of nutrients by the intestines improves, the likelihood of dehydration is reduced to zero.
The active substance of the drug is quickly absorbed, the therapeutic effect occurs quickly and lasts quite a long time - up to fourteen hours.
Characteristics of Imodium
The product helps eliminate diarrhea and also relieves discomfort and pain in the abdominal area. The active ingredient is loperamide hydrochloride. The mechanism of action on the body is exactly the same as the drug Loperamide.
Thanks to the use of the medicine, it is possible to normalize the amount of mucus produced in the intestinal lumen itself by reducing its secretion. The processes of absorption of electrolytes, as well as fluids from the gastrointestinal tract, are restored, the risk of dehydration is significantly reduced, and the electrolyte balance is not disturbed. Under the influence of loperamide, spasm of intestinal smooth muscles is stopped.
The active component is easily absorbed by the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract and exhibits a rapid therapeutic effect. Metabolic transformations occur in the liver, loperamide hydrochloride is excreted in the feces. The half-life is 9-14 hours. It should be noted that the drug has a slight systemic effect.
While taking Imodium, adverse reactions from the gastrointestinal tract, nervous system, skin, and urinary system may occur. Drowsiness may occur during use.
Imodium is produced in the form of lyophilized tablets and lozenges by the Italian pharmaceutical corporation Janssen-Cilag. The price of this drug is significantly higher than the domestic one and amounts to 176-641 rubles.
When is it prescribed?
Imodium is useful for the following conditions:
- diarrhea due to poisoning;
- digestive disorders due to chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract;
- traveler's diarrhea;
- diarrhea of nervous origin.
The drug is not prescribed if blood, mucus or fever appear in the stool. In case of these phenomena, you must first consult a doctor to find out the reasons. Sometimes fecal retention due to certain diseases can be very dangerous.
How to take Imodium for diarrhea
If diarrhea begins suddenly, take two tablets. Children from the age of six are given one at a time. The main goal is to achieve bowel movement once a day. To do this, you can use as many capsules as needed. But it is important to prevent an overdose. The maximum dose per day is eight capsules. For children - no more than three per day.
Lozenges are taken this way. Place them on the tongue, wait until they dissolve and do not wash them down with water. Capsules must be taken with water. This must be repeated after each loose stool.
For children, the dose is calculated as follows: three tablets for every twenty kilograms of weight.
The drug is discontinued if there is no positive result from taking it within two days. And if there is no stool for twelve hours or more, stop taking Imodium too.
What is Loperamide needed for: indications for use and features of the drug
Loperamide is a generic form of Imodium that is used to treat acute and chronic diarrhea. It contains loperamide hydrochloride, as well as excipients, such as magnesium stearate and lactose monohydrate.
This generic is recommended for use by adults and children over 12 years of age, strictly according to the instructions and prescriptions of the attending physician.
How long does it take for Loperamide to work? The effect of the drug can be felt 20 minutes [Verified source] after administration, and its duration is 4-6 hours. This is at an initial dose of 2 (mg), then the dose can be doubled and take 1 Loperamide tablet after each loose bowel movement.
Very often on the Internet people ask the question “Is Loperamide an antibiotic or not?” No, Loperamide is not an antibiotic, but an antidiarrheal agent and should be taken strictly according to the instructions. If diarrhea does not go away within two days (48 hours) after taking the medicine, then you should stop taking Loperamide and consult a doctor.
Overdose
If you accidentally or intentionally take a large number of tablets, an overdose may occur.
It is characterized by the following symptoms:
- stupor;
- miosis;
- drowsiness;
- muscle hypertonicity;
- lack of coordination;
- urinary retention;
- intestinal obstruction.
In children, overdose is more pronounced. Naloxone is used as an antidote. You can also take activated angle and induce vomiting. The patient should be observed for two days.
Imodium express tab liof mint flavor 2mg N 6
pharmachologic effect
Imodium is an antidiarrheal drug.
Loperamide, by binding to opioid receptors in the intestinal wall, inhibits the release of acetylcholine and prostaglandins, thereby reducing peristalsis and increasing the transit time of contents through the intestines. Increases the tone of the anal sphincter, reducing fecal incontinence and the urge to defecate. Pharmacokinetics
Suction
After taking the drug orally, the absorption of loperamide is 40%.
Distribution
Plasma protein binding is about 95%, mainly with albumin.
Metabolism
It is subjected to intensive metabolism during the process of oxidative N-demethylation during the “first pass” through the liver.
Removal
T1/2 averages 10.8 hours (from 9 to 14 hours). It is excreted mainly in feces. A small part is excreted in the urine in the form of conjugated metabolites.
Indications
Acute and chronic diarrhea (diarrhea); regulation of stool in patients with ileostomy
Contraindications
- children's age (up to 6 years);
- hypersensitivity to loperamide and/or other components of the drug;
- acute dysentery and other gastrointestinal tract infections (caused, including Salmonella, Shigella and Campylobacter);
- intestinal obstruction (including, if necessary, avoiding suppression of peristalsis), diverticulosis, acute ulcerative colitis or pseudomembranous enterocolitis (diarrhea (diarrhea) caused by taking antibiotics);
- first trimester of pregnancy;
- lactation period.
Use during pregnancy and breastfeeding
Despite the absence of indications of teratogenic or embryotoxic effects, IMODIUM® can be prescribed during pregnancy only if the expected benefit of therapy for the mother outweighs the potential risk to the fetus.
During the first trimester of pregnancy, IMODIUM® is contraindicated. Since small amounts of the drug may pass into breast milk, taking lozenges while breastfeeding is contraindicated.
special instructions
The drug should be stopped immediately if constipation or bloating develops.
Since the treatment of diarrhea (diarrhea) with IMODIUM® is only symptomatic, along with it it is necessary, if possible, to use etiotropic drugs. Patients with diarrhea (diarrhea), especially children, may experience hypovolemia and decreased electrolyte levels. In such cases, replacement therapy to replace fluids and electrolytes is most important.
In case of acute diarrhea (diarrhea), if clinical improvement is not observed within 48 hours, IMODIUM® should be discontinued and the infectious origin of diarrhea (diarrhea) should be excluded.
Do not use for diarrhea (diarrhea) accompanied by blood in the stool and high fever.
In patients with AIDS, treatment should be stopped immediately at the first sign of abdominal bloating. In some cases, AIDS patients with infectious colitis of both viral and bacterial nature may develop toxic expansion of the colon when treated with IMODIUM®.
Patients with impaired liver function should be closely monitored for signs of toxicity.
During treatment, diet and fluid replacement are recommended.
Compound
1 tablet contains:
Active substance: loperamide hydrochloride 2 mg;
Excipients: gelatin - 5.863 mg, mannitol - 4.397 mg, aspartame - 0.75 mg, mint flavor - 0.3 mg, sodium bicarbonate - 0.375 mg.
Directions for use and doses
Inside. The tablet is placed on the tongue, it dissolves within a few seconds, after which it is swallowed with saliva, without washing down with water.
Adults, including the elderly, and children over 6 years of age:
Acute diarrhea (diarrhea): initial dose – 2 tablets (4 mg) for adults and 1 tablet (2 mg) for children, then take 1 tablet (2 mg) after each bowel movement in case of loose stools.
Chronic diarrhea (diarrhea): initial dose – 2 tablets (4 mg) per day for adults and 1 tablet (2 mg) for children; this dose is then usually individually adjusted so that the stool frequency is 1-2 times a day, which is usually achieved with a maintenance dose of 1 to 6 tablets per day.
Maximum daily dose. For acute and chronic diarrhea (diarrhea) in adults – 8 tablets (16 mg); in children, the maximum daily dose is calculated based on body weight (3 tablets per 20 kg of child’s body weight - up to 8 tablets (16 mg)).
If normal stool appears or if there is no stool for more than 12 hours, the drug is discontinued.
Side effects
- allergic reactions (skin rash);
- constipation and/or bloating;
- intestinal colic;
- urinary retention (rare);
- intestinal obstruction (very rare);
- abdominal pain or discomfort;
- nausea, vomiting;
- fatigue;
- drowsiness, dizziness;
- dry mouth;
- a burning or tingling sensation on the tongue that occurs immediately after taking lozenges.
Drug interactions
No drug interactions were observed with Imodium®.
Overdose
Symptoms: depression of the central nervous system (CNS): stupor, loss of coordination, drowsiness, miosis, increased muscle tone, respiratory depression; intestinal obstruction. Children are more sensitive to effects on the central nervous system.
Treatment: symptomatic treatment: gastric lavage, activated charcoal (no later than 3 hours after taking IMODIUM®), artificial ventilation. The antidote is naloxone. Since the duration of action of IMODIUM® is longer than that of naloxone (1–3 hours), repeated administration of the latter may be necessary. To detect possible CNS depression, the patient should be closely monitored for at least 48 hours.
Storage conditions
The drug should be stored out of the reach of children at a temperature of 15° to 30°C.
Best before date
5 years.
Side effects
Sometimes the following unpleasant effects occur when taking Imodium:
- constipation;
- dry mouth;
- stomach ache;
- nausea;
- vomit;
- dizziness;
- migraine;
- allergic rash;
- loss of consciousness;
- tremor of the limbs;
- urinary retention;
- anaphylactic shock;
- Quincke's edema.
If at least one of the above effects occurs, you should immediately stop taking it and seek help from a doctor.
Consequences of an overdose of Imodium
Get emergency medical help if you think you have taken too much Imodium.
Symptoms of overdose are as follows:
- cardiopalmus;
- irregular heartbeat;
- fainting.
Be careful!
If you have these symptoms, call your doctor or seek emergency medical help immediately. If you become unconscious, the person near you should immediately seek emergency medical attention.
Which is better - Imodium or Loperamide
The drug has many analogues.
Among them:
- Loperamide;
- Lopedium;
- Stoperan.
These drugs have the same active ingredient. The difference is in the cost, which for analogues is usually lower than for Imodium. It is believed that Imodium is more effective than its analogues.
If we compare Loperamide and Imodium, then Imodium is absorbed and absorbed faster. Therefore, the therapeutic effect will occur faster.
What should you not do while taking Imodium?
Imodium should not be taken with tonic water; the interaction between the two can cause heart problems.
Stay hydrated and drink plenty of fluids. If you are dehydrated, do not engage in intense exercise or be outside in hot weather.
Study the effect of the drug on you before driving a car or operating complex machinery. The speed of your reactions may be impaired. If the medicine causes drowsiness and slower reactions, do not drive or operate complex machinery after using it.
