What are Imodium Capsules?

Imodium Classic Capsules are a treatment which can help to ease two different types of diarrhoea. If you’re suffering with short term diarrhoea or diarrhoea caused by IBS, this medicine can help to ease your symptoms and reduce the number of times you need to go to the toilet.

What causes diarrhoea?

The most common causes of short-term diarrhoea are stomach bugs and food poisoning, both of which will usually clear up by themselves within 7 days. However, you can also experience diarrhoea if you have long term conditions such as food allergies or intolerance, IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), or coeliac disease.

How will Loperamide 2mg treat my diarrhoea?

The 2mg of Loperamide in every Imodium Classic Capsule helps to treat diarrhoea by slowing down your overactive bowel. This reduces the amount of times you will need to go to the toilet and gives your body the chance to absorb the water and salts that are usually lost when you have diarrhoea.

Can I take Imodium Capsules if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?

If you are breastfeeding, you should not take this medicine, as small amounts may pass into your breastmilk. You doctor or pharmacist will be able to recommend another suitable product.

If you are pregnant, you should speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking this medicine, to be sure that this product is the best choice for you and your baby.

Can I take this product if I’m taking other medication?

If you are taking any other medication, including those obtained without a prescription, you should speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Imodium Capsules. Some medications can interact when used together, causing unwanted side effects or making your medication less effective. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before using this product if you are taking:

• Ritonavir, which is used to treat HIV
• Quinidine, which is used to treat abnormal heart rhythms or malaria
• Oral desmopressin, which is used to treat excessive urination
• Itraconazole or ketoconazole, which are both used to treat fungal infections
• Gemfibrozil, which is used to treat high cholesterol

Can I drive after using this product?

When you take Imodium Capsules, you may feel dizzy, drowsy, tired, or faint. You should not attempt to drive or use machinery or tools unless you are absolutely sure that you are not affected in this way.

How to take Imodium Capsules

To start your treatment, swallow two Imodium Capsules with a drink of water, then take one more capsule after each loose bowel movement. Do not take more than 6 capsules in any 24-hour period. Remember to drink more fluids than usual to replace the fluid your body loses when you have diarrhoea.

How long can I take Loperamide 2mg for?

If you are treating short term diarrhoea, you should not take Imodium Loperamide Capsules for more than 48 hours. If your diarrhoea lasts longer than this, stop use and speak to your doctor. If you are treating diarrhoea caused by IBS, you can take this medicine for up to 2 weeks at a time to treat repeated attacks. However, you should not take this product to treat any attack which lasts longer than 48 hours. Speak to your doctor if you attack lasts for more than 48 hours or if your symptoms have not improved after 2 weeks.

Why do I need to answer questions to buy this product?

You do not need a prescription for Imodium Classic, however you will be asked to complete a short medical questionnaire by your pharmacist before we can take your order. This includes some simple questions that all pharmacies legally are required to ask before supplying this kind of product. This helps our pharmacy team to be sure that this product is the best choice for you.

When should Imodium Capsules not be used?

Imodium Capsules are not suitable for use by children under the age of 12 or IBS patients under the age of 18. Do not use this product if you are allergic to Loperamide or any of the other listed ingredients. Do not use this product if you:

• Have severe diarrhoea after taking antibiotics
• Are having a flare-up of an inflammatory bowel condition, such as ulcerative colitis
• Are constipated or your stomach appears swollen (especially in children with severe dehydration)
• Have acute dysentery, showing symptoms such as blood in your stools, high temperature

Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before using this product if you:

• Have AIDS and your stomach becomes swollen, stop using this product and speak to your doctor immediately
• Suffer from liver disease
• Have diarrhoea that lasts for more than 48 hours
• Have been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars
• Have severe diarrhoea

If you are an IBS patient, speak to your doctor before using this product if you:

• Are aged over 40 and it has been some time since your last IBS attack
• Are aged over 40 and your IBS symptoms are different to usual
• Have recently passed blood from the bowel
• Suffer with severe constipation
• Are feeling sick or vomiting
• Have lost your appetite or lost weight
• Have difficulty or pain when passing urine
• Have a fever
• Have recently travelled abroad

Does this product have any side effects?

Like all medication, Imodium Capsules can have side effects, although not everyone will experience them. If you experience any of the following side effects, stop use and seek medical help immediately:

• Allergic reactions, e.g. unexplained wheezing, shortness of breath, passing out, swelling of face and throat
• Skin rashes which may be severe and include blistering or peeling of the skin
• Loss of consciousness or reduced level of consciousness, e.g. passing out, feeling faint or less alert, uncoordinated movements

Other side effects include:

• Itchiness, hives
• Stomach pain, swollen stomach
• Difficulty passing water
• Severe constipation
• Narrowing of the pupils of the eye
• Feeling sick, constipation, wind
• Headache
• Dizziness, drowsiness
• Vomiting, indigestion
• Dry mouth
• Tiredness

If you experience these or any other side effects while using this product, stop use and speak to your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible. For more information about reporting the side effects of medication, please see the MHRA’s Yellow Card Scheme.

How to store this medicine

Store in a cool, dry place. Store in original packaging and do not use once the expiry date printed on the packaging has passed. Keep out of sight and reach of children.

Important Information

This product is a medicine; make sure to speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking this product if you have an underlying medical problem or are taking any other medicine or complementary therapy. If your symptoms get worse or continue after taking this product, contact us or your doctor. For medical services in your area, please refer to https://www.nhs.uk

If you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, speak to your doctor or our pharmacist before taking this product. If you suffer from any allergies, ask your doctor or our pharmacist if this medicine is right for you.

Store all medicines out of sight and reach of children.

Please read the included leaflet carefully before using this product.

Please contact your GP if appropriate regarding this product.

Helpful Advice on Medication Restrictions & Addiction

For further information on our medication restrictions policy, please click here.

If you are concerned about addiction to 'over the counter' medication, we urge you to visit the below links for professional help and advice:

• NHS Help & Advice on Drug Addiction
• Talk To Frank - Drug Addiction Help & Support