Pepto-Bismol is an OTC medication used to treat diarrhea in people ages 12 and older. Unlike Imodium A-D, it's also used to relieve other symptoms, including heartburn, indigestion, and nausea.
Contact your doctor if your diarrhea lasts longer than 2 days for an evaluation and diagnosis.
You can stop diarrhea fast with one of two different kinds of over-the-counter medication, Imodium (loperamide) or Kaopectate or Pepto-Bismol (bismuth subsalicylate).
Loperamide acts on opioid receptors in the gut to slow the movement in the intestines and decrease the number of bowel movements. It is safe at approved doses, but when much higher than recommended doses are taken, it can lead to serious problems, including severe heart rhythm problems and death.
Diarrhea is a common problem. It may last 1 or 2 days and goes away on its own. If diarrhea lasts more than 2 days it may mean you have a more serious problem.
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).
IMODIUM® products contain an active ingredient called Loperamide, which works by slowing down the movement of fluid through the gut. This allows for overall greater absorption of valuable fluids and salts back into your system and treats diarrhea symptoms.
In most cases of diarrhea, over-the-counter medications can help ease the discomfort that comes with the condition. These options include loperamide (commonly known by names including Imodium and Maalox) and bismuth subsalicylate (sold under Pepto-Bismo and Kaopectate, among others).
Loperamide is used to control and relieve the symptoms of acute diarrhea. It is also used to treat chronic diarrhea in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Loperamide helps stop diarrhea by slowing down the movements of the intestines.
What drugs and food should I avoid while taking Loperamide (Imodium)? Avoid drinking tonic water. It can interact with loperamide and may cause serious heart problems. Avoid becoming dehydrated by drinking plenty of fluids.
Summary. If you suffer from acute diarrhea, it's best to treat it straight away. By treating diarrhea, your body can start to recover so you can feel better and get on with your day as quickly as possible.
“We know that addiction is a progressive disease, so misusing Imodium comes with the threat of physical and psychological dependence, which, when combined with stress and uncertainty, can be deadly,” Reynolds says.
Watery diarrhea is commonly caused by a viral infection or food poisoning from eating undercooked meat or rotten foods. It can be serious if it causes dehydration. Keep an eye out for blood in the stool, and be sure to drink water and fluids with electrolytes. Ezekiel Richardson, MD.
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. If you have IBS, talk to your doctor about the best medication options to treat your diarrhea.
Imodium dosage for adults and children
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.
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.
A wide range of problems can cause chronic diarrhea; some of the most common causes include irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn disease and ulcerative colitis), malabsorption syndromes, like celiac disease, in which food cannot be digested and absorbed, and chronic infections as well as ...
Bacterial and viral infection
coli. Contaminated food and fluids are common sources of bacterial infections. Rotavirus, norovirus, and other kinds of viral gastroenteritis, commonly referred to as “stomach flu,” are among the viruses that can cause explosive diarrhea.
Water is best. Drink at least 1 cup (240 milliliters) of liquid every time you have a loose bowel movement. Eat small meals throughout the day, instead of 3 big meals. Eat some salty foods, such as pretzels, soup, and sports drinks.
Although acute diarrhea generally resolves on its own, treating with IMODIUM® products relieves symptoms more quickly than letting diarrhea run its natural course. Speak to your physician if you have any questions or concerns.
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.
IMODIUM® Original capsules can stop diarrhoea in one dose. IMODIUM® IBS Relief helps take control of your medically diagnosed IBS diarrhoea. IMODIUM® Instants dissolve instantly on your tongue, so they're great for when you're on the go.
A diet known as BRAT may also quickly relieve diarrhea. BRAT stands for bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. This diet is effective due to the bland nature of these foods, and the fact that they're starchy, low-fiber foods. These foods have a binding effect in the digestive tract to make stools bulkier.