Imodium Instant – composition, action, indications, dosage, side effects

Proven content

Imodium Instant is the trade name of an anti-diarrheal drug sold in pharmacies without a prescription (the so-called OTC availability category). The drug is distributed in Poland by the well-known company Johnson & Johnson Poland Sp. z o. o. Packages containing 6 and 12 tablets are available for purchase. Read how to dose Imodium Instant and what is the general characteristics of the preparation.

Imodium Instant – general characteristics

Imodium Instant is the trade name of an anti-diarrheal drug sold in pharmacies without a prescription (the so-called OTC availability category). The drug is distributed in Poland by the well-known company Johnson & Johnson Poland Sp. z o. o. Packages containing 6 and 12 tablets are available for purchase.

The active substance of Imodium Instant is loperamide hydrochloride. One orodispersible tablet contains 2 mg of loperamide hydrochloride. Each tablet also contains 0,750 mg of aspartame and a mint flavor composition with trace amounts of sulphites.

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Imodium Instant – indications for use

Imodium Instatnt, thanks to a component of loperamide, reduces intestinal peristalsis, extends the time the food passes through the intestines, increases the resting tone of the anal sphincter, while reducing the immediate need to defecate (stool pressure).

Thus, Imodium Instatnt is used in the case of acute and chronic diarrhea and in the treatment of acute episodes of diarrhea associated with irritable bowel syndrome in adults (from 18 years of age) after diagnosis of the disease by a doctor. Imodium Instant is also used in people with an ileal fistula.

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Imodium Instant – action

The active substance of Imodium Instant is loperamide in the form of loperamide hydrochloride – one tablet contains 2 mg of this substance. After oral administration and reaching the intestines, loperamide binds with opioid receptors located in the intestinal walls. The effect of this combination is the inhibition of the release of neurotransmitter substances – acetylcholine – and inflammatory mediators – prostaglandins.

Acetylcholine and prostaglandins affect the contractile activity of the intestinal muscles. Blockage of the intestinal opioid receptors and the release of these substances therefore stops gastrointestinal motility, while increasing the resting tone of the anal sphincter. Inhibition of bowel movements and the anal sphincter reduces the feeling of pressure on the stool and, as a result, results in a strong and long-lasting anti-bowel action.

Imodium Instant – dosage

The dosage of Imodium Instant depends on the patient’s condition. Place the Imodium Instant tablet on the tongue, wait for it to dissolve and swallow it with saliva. No liquid to drink is needed. For symptomatic treatment of acute and chronic diarrhea, Imodium Instant should be used according to the following scheme.

Adults and children over 6 years of age:

1. acute diarrhea: initial dose – 2 tablets (4 mg) for adults and 1 tablet (2 mg) for children, then 1 tablet (2 mg) after each loose stool.
2. chronic diarrhea: initial dose – 2 tablets (4 mg) daily for adults and 1 tablet (2 mg) daily for children. This starting dose should be adjusted until 1 to 2 normal stools per day are obtained, which is usually achieved with a maintenance dose of 1 to 6 tablets (2 to 12 mg) per day.

The maximum dose in acute and chronic diarrhea – 8 tablets (16 mg) daily for adults and children. It should be remembered that in children the dose of the product must be adjusted to the body weight (3 tablets / 20 kg body weight).

Symptomatic treatment of acute episodes of diarrhea associated with irritable bowel syndrome:

1. adults from 18 years of age should take the initial dose of two tablets (4 mg) a day followed by 1 tablet (2 mg) after each loose stool or as previously prescribed by their doctor.

Imodium Instant can be used for up to 2 weeks in repeated attacks, but not longer than 48 hours in single attacks of diarrhea.

The maximum dose in diarrhea associated with irritable bowel syndrome – 6 tablets (12 mg) daily.

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Imodium Instant – contraindications

Although the drug is relatively safe and available over the counter, there are contraindications to its use. These include, as with any drug, hypersensitivity to any of its substances – this applies not only to the active substance, but also to excipients. In addition, Imodium Instant must not be used with any type of diarrhea. The diarrhea in which its intake is contraindicated include:

1. diarrhea in the course of acute dysentery where the patient has a high temperature and blood in the stools
2. diarrhea in patients with acute ulcerative enteritis,
3. diarrhea in patients with pseudomembranous colitis (a condition caused by taking antibiotics),
4. Bacterial diarrhea caused by microbes such as Salmonella, Shigella and Campylobacter – in this case, stopping bowel movements would only worsen the infection.

The drug must not be used in the case of an increased risk of intestinal obstruction and colon dilatation in the patient.

Imodium Instant must also not be used in people suffering from phenylketonuria due to the presence of aspartame as an excipient. Conversely, the excipients of the flavoring composition contain small amounts of sulfites and may trigger an asthma attack in patients with bronchial asthma and allergic symptoms (e.g. allergic rhinitis, urticaria).

It is also not recommended to use Imodium Instant during pregnancy (especially in the first trimester) and during breastfeeding.

Imodium Instant – side effects

Due to its inhibitory effect on bowel movement, constipation is one of the most common side effects after using Imodium Instant. Moreover, headache, dizziness, nausea and gas bloating are often reported side effects after taking the drug.

Symptoms such as abdominal pain, vomiting, dry mouth, rash, hypersensitivity reactions or other rarely occurring specific reactions from the patient’s body may occur less frequently.

Due to some of these reactions, special attention should be paid to the fact that this drug may impair psychomotor performance and the ability to drive motor vehicles.

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Imodium Instant – precautions

Some people should discuss the use of Imodium Instant with their doctor and pharmacist. Especially in patients with hepatic impairment, Imodium Instant should be used with caution and carefully monitored for signs of central nervous system toxicity. The use of Imodium Instant in the elderly and elderly is generally safe.

Before using Imodium Instant, the patient should inform the doctor / pharmacist about any medications taken, especially:

1. ritonavir
2. chinidny,
3. orally administered desmopressin
4. itraconazole or ketoconazole,
5. gemfibrozylu.

If a higher dose of Imodium Instant is taken than recommended by the manufacturer or the doctor (overdose), the following symptoms may appear:

1. increased heart rate
2. irregular heart rhythm,
3. changes in heart rhythm (these symptoms can have serious, life-threatening consequences)
4. muscle stiffness
5. uncoordinated movements,
6. excessive sleepiness,
7. difficulty urinating
8. shallow breathing, slower breathing,
9. stupor,
10. constriction of the pupils,
11. intestinal obstruction (manifested by abdominal pain, vomiting, flatulence and constipation).

It should be remembered that taking a higher dose of Imodium Instant before children is much stronger than in adults. In the event of an overdose of Imodium Instant, contact a doctor or hospital.

Imodium Instant – price and opinions

The price of Imodium Instant depends on the contents of the package – 6 or 12 tablets. The price of Imodium Instant 6 tablets is about PLN 7-8. The price of Imodium Instant 12 tablets ranges from PLN 12 to PLN 15.

Opinions about Imodium Instant are positive. People who have used this preparation praise it for the speed of dissolution in the mouth, speed of action and efficiency.