Type of medicine Antimotility drug
Used for Diarrhoea
Also called Diah-Limit, Diaquitte, Diocalm, Entrocalm, Imodium, Norimode, Normaloe
Available as Capsules
Tablets
Chewable tablets
Orodispersible tablets (dissolve-in-the-mouth)
Oral liquid

Imodium works by slowing down the movement of the intestine and reducing the speed at which the contents of the gut pass through. Food remains in the intestines for longer and water can be more effectively absorbed back into the body. This results in firmer stools that are passed less often.

Why is this drug prescribed?

Imodium capsules, syrup and instants all contain the active ingredient loperamide hydrochloride, which is a drug used to treat diarrhoea. Loperamide is also available without a brand name, ie as the generic drug. Loperamide works by slowing the muscular contractions of the intestine and so is called an 'antimotility' drug. Loperamide works by acting on opioid receptors that are found in the muscle lining the walls of the intestines. By acting on these receptors, loperamide reduces the muscular contractions of the intestine that move food and faecal matter through the gut. This reduces the speed at which the gut contents are pushed through the intestines, allowing more time for water and electrolytes to be reabsorbed from the gut contents back into the body. This results in firmer stools that are passed less frequently. Loperamide can be bought without a prescription to treat acute episodes of watery diarrhoea in adults. Loperamide can also be used to control flare-ups of chronic diarrhoea, however it should only be used for this purpose on the advice of a doctor. It should only be used to treat diarrhoea associated with irritable bowel syndrome after initial diagnosis of IBS by a doctor.

Treatments

When bought without a prescription, Imodium can be used to treat: * Acute diarrhoea in adults and children aged 12 years and over. * Acute diarrhoea associated with irritable bowel syndrome in adults, following initial diagnosis by a doctor. Imodium can also be used to treat the following, but ONLY when prescribed by a doctor: * Acute diarrhoea of any cause, including treating sudden worsening of long-term diarrhoea for periods of up to five days, in adults and children over eight years of age and children over four years of age. * Chronic diarrhoea in adults.

What side effects can this drug cause?

* Constipation * Dizziness * Drowsiness * Abdominal cramps * Abdominal swelling * Flatulence * Indigestion * Nausea and vomiting * Paralysis or inactivity of the intestine that stops the movement of material through the gut * Skin reactions such as rash and itch