Loperamide hydrochloride
Imodium is a registered trademark
Read all of this leaflet carefully before you start using this medicine
because it contains important information for you.
• Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it again
• If you have any further questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist
• This medicine has been prescribed for you. Do not pass it on to others. It
may harm them, even if their signs of illness are the same as yours
• If you get any side effects talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes
any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. See section 4.
What is in this leaflet
1 What Imodium oral solution is and what it is used for
2 What you need to know before you use Imodium oral solution
3 How to use Imodium oral solution
4 Possible side effects
5 How to store Imodium oral solution
6 Contents of the pack and other information
1 What Imodium oral solution is and what it is used for
The name of your medicine is Imodium 1mg/5ml oral solution. It is called
Imodium oral solution in this leaflet.
What Imodium oral solution is used for
Imodium oral solution is used:
• To treat sudden short-lived (acute) attacks of diarrhoea in adults and
children over 4 years of age
• To treat long-lasting (chronic) diarrhoea in adults
If your child is using Imodium oral solution, the ‘you' stated everywhere below
should be read as ‘your child'.
How Imodium oral solution works
Imodium oral solution contains a medicine called loperamide hydrochloride. It
belongs to a group of medicines which helps reduce diarrhoea by slowing
down an overactive bowel. It also helps the body to absorb more water and
salts from the bowel.
2 What you need to know before you use Imodium oral solution
Do not use Imodium oral solution:
• If you are allergic to anything in Imodium oral solution (listed in section 6
below)
- 2 -
• If you have severe diarrhoea after taking antibiotics
• If you are having a flare up of ulcerative colitis
• If you are constipated or your stomach appears swollen
• For a child less than 4 years old
Do not use this medicine if any of the above applies to you. If you are not sure,
talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using Imodium oral solution.
Warnings and precautions
Check with your doctor before using Imodium oral solution if:
• You have acute dysentery, the symptoms of which may include blood in
your stools and a high temperature. You will also need to be given other
medicines to treat this
• You suffer from liver problems
• You have AIDS and your stomach becomes swollen. Stop taking the oral
solution immediately and contact your doctor
You may still be able to use Imodium oral solution, but you should discuss this
with your doctor first.
Do not take this product for anything other than its intended use (see section 1)
and never take more than the recommended amount (see section 3). Serious
heart problems (symptoms of which include fast or irregular heartbeat) have
been reported in patients who have taken too much loperamide, the active
ingredient in Imodium oral solution.
Replacing fluid and salts
Imodium oral solution only treats the symptoms of diarrhoea. When you have
diarrhoea, your body loses large amounts of fluid and salts. You should
therefore replace this lost fluid by drinking more than normal. This is especially
important for children.
Your doctor may also give you a special powder containing sugar and salts
(know
- 3 -
Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking any medicine if you are
pregnant or breast-feeding.
Driving and using machines
This medicine may make you feel dizzy, tired or sleepy. You may also lose
consciousness, feel faint or less alert. If affected do not drive or operate
machinery.
Imodium oral solution contains
• glycerol: may cause headache, stomach upset and diarrhoea
• sodium saccharin (4.85 mg of sodium in 5 ml): To be taken into
consideration by patients on a controlled sodium diet
• methyl parahydroxybenzoate (E218) and propyl parahydroxybenzoate
(E216). These may cause an allergic reaction. This reaction may happen
some time after you have taken Imodium oral solution
• cochineal red A (E124) which may cause allergic reactions
• small amounts of ethanol (alcohol), less than 100 mg per dose
3 How to use Imodium oral solution
Always use Imodium oral solution exactly as your doctor has told you. You
should check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.
Taking this medicine
• Take this medicine by mouth
• Swallow the correct number of 5 ml doses of the oral solution
How to use the measuring cup
The measuring cup provided is marked with a 5 ml graduation line.
Keep the measuring cup the same way up as it sits on the bottle cap. To be
certain that you fill the correct side, make sure that the side with the
graduations (the side that holds less) is uppermost. This is the side you have
to fill. The arrow on the side should also be pointing up.
How much to take
The dose of Imodium oral solution that you will need will depend on whether
your diarrhoea is a sudden attack (acute) or a long-lasting condition (chronic).
Short-lived (acute) diarrhoea
Adults
• Take four 5 ml doses (20 ml) of the oral solution straight away
- 4 -
• From then on take two 5 ml doses (10 ml) after each episode of
diarrhoea
• Never take more than sixteen 5 ml doses (80 ml) of the oral solution in
any 24 hour period
Children aged 9 and above
• Take two 5 ml doses (10 ml) of the oral solution 4 times a day until
diarrhoea is controlled
Children aged 4-8 years old:
• Take one 5 ml dose of the oral solution 3 to 4 times a day until the
diarrhoea is controlled
If you are not getting better within 2 days of taking your first dose of Imodium
oral solution, stop taking this medicine and go back to your doctor. He or she
may want to examine you to check on why you have diarrhoea.
Long-lasting (chronic) diarrhoea
Adults
• Your doctor will tell you how much Imodium oral solution to take. This will
depend on how serious your condition is
• You will probably start with a dose of between four to eight 5 ml doses
(20 ml to 40 ml) spread out over a day
• Your doctor will find the dose that suits you best. He or she may then
suggest you take the oral solution twice a day
• Never take more than sixteen 5 ml doses (80 ml) of the oral solution in
any 24 hour period
Children
• Imodium oral solution is not recommended for long-lasting (chronic)
diarrhoea in children
If you forget to take Imodium oral solution
• You should only take this medicine as required following the dosage
instructions above carefully
• If you forget to take a dose, take a dose after the next loose stool (bowel
movement)
• Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose
If you use more Imodium oral solution than you should
If you have taken too much Imodium oral solution, immediately contact a doctor
or hospital for advice. Symptoms may include: increased heart rate, irregular
heartbeat, changes to your heartbeat (these symptoms can have potentially
serious, life-threatening consequences), muscle stiffness, uncoordinated
movements, drowsiness, difficulty urinating, or weak breathing.
Children react more strongly to large amounts of Imodium oral solution than
adults. If a child takes too much or shows any of the above symptoms, call a
doctor immediately.
- 5 -
If you have any further questions on the use of this product, ask your doctor or
pharmacist.
4 Possible side effects
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not
everybody gets them.
Stop using Imodium oral solution and tell your doctor straight away if
you notice or suspect any of the following. You may need urgent
medical treatment.
• Sudden swelling of the face, lips or throat. Hives (also known as nettle rash
or urticaria), severe irritation, reddening or blistering of your skin. These may
be signs of a severe allergic reaction.
• Blistering of your skin, mouth, eyes and genitals
• Stomach pain or severe swollen stomach
• Severe constipation
• Loss of consciousness or reduced level of consciousness (feeling faint or
less alert)
Tell your doctor if you notice any of the following side effects while
using Imodium oral solution:
Common side effects (affects more than 1 in 100 patients)
• Headache
• Feeling dizzy
• Feeling sick (nausea)
• Constipation
• Wind
Uncommon side effects (affects fewer than 1 in 100 patients)
• Feeling sleepy or drowsy
• Dry mouth
• Being sick (vomiting), indigestion (dyspepsia)
• Rash
Rare side effects (affects fewer than 1 in 1000 patients)
• Tiny pupils
• Itchy skin
• Difficulty passing water
• Feeling tired
• Problems with co-ordination
• Unusually stiff muscles causing poor control of movement
Some of the listed side effects may be due to the diarrhoea, such as
discomfort around the middle, feeling sick or being sick, dry mouth, feeling
tired, drowsy or dizzy and wind.
Reporting of side effects
If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This
includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report
- 6 -
side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at:
www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard
By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety
of this medicine.
5 How to store Imodium oral solution
Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.
Do not use Imodium oral solution after the expiry date which is stated on the
label. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.
Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your
pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures
will help protect the environment.
6 Contents of the pack and other information
What Imodium oral solution contains
• The active substance is loperamide hydrochloride.
Each 5 ml dose of oral solution contains 1 mg loperamide hydrochloride.
(The oral solution contains 0.2 mg of loperamide hydrochloride in each
millilitre.)
• The other ingredients are glycerol, sodium saccharin, methyl
parahydroxybenzoate (E218), propyl parahydroxybenzoate (E216),
cochineal red A (E124), raspberry flavour, redcurrant flavour, ethanol, citric
acid and water.
What Imodium oral solution looks like and contents of the pack
Imodium oral solution is a red, fruit-flavoured, sugar-free oral solution.
It is available in 100 ml amber glass bottles with a plastic measuring cup.
Imodium is a registered trademark
Read all of this leaflet carefully before you start using this medicine
because it contains important information for you.
• Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it again
• If you have any further questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist
• This medicine has been prescribed for you. Do not pass it on to others. It
may harm them, even if their signs of illness are the same as yours
• If you get any side effects talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes
any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. See section 4.
What is in this leaflet
1 What Imodium oral solution is and what it is used for
2 What you need to know before you use Imodium oral solution
3 How to use Imodium oral solution
4 Possible side effects
5 How to store Imodium oral solution
6 Contents of the pack and other information
1 What Imodium oral solution is and what it is used for
The name of your medicine is Imodium 1mg/5ml oral solution. It is called
Imodium oral solution in this leaflet.
What Imodium oral solution is used for
Imodium oral solution is used:
• To treat sudden short-lived (acute) attacks of diarrhoea in adults and
children over 4 years of age
• To treat long-lasting (chronic) diarrhoea in adults
If your child is using Imodium oral solution, the ‘you' stated everywhere below
should be read as ‘your child'.
How Imodium oral solution works
Imodium oral solution contains a medicine called loperamide hydrochloride. It
belongs to a group of medicines which helps reduce diarrhoea by slowing
down an overactive bowel. It also helps the body to absorb more water and
salts from the bowel.
2 What you need to know before you use Imodium oral solution
Do not use Imodium oral solution:
• If you are allergic to anything in Imodium oral solution (listed in section 6
below)
- 2 -
• If you have severe diarrhoea after taking antibiotics
• If you are having a flare up of ulcerative colitis
• If you are constipated or your stomach appears swollen
• For a child less than 4 years old
Do not use this medicine if any of the above applies to you. If you are not sure,
talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using Imodium oral solution.
Warnings and precautions
Check with your doctor before using Imodium oral solution if:
• You have acute dysentery, the symptoms of which may include blood in
your stools and a high temperature. You will also need to be given other
medicines to treat this
• You suffer from liver problems
• You have AIDS and your stomach becomes swollen. Stop taking the oral
solution immediately and contact your doctor
You may still be able to use Imodium oral solution, but you should discuss this
with your doctor first.
Do not take this product for anything other than its intended use (see section 1)
and never take more than the recommended amount (see section 3). Serious
heart problems (symptoms of which include fast or irregular heartbeat) have
been reported in patients who have taken too much loperamide, the active
ingredient in Imodium oral solution.
Replacing fluid and salts
Imodium oral solution only treats the symptoms of diarrhoea. When you have
diarrhoea, your body loses large amounts of fluid and salts. You should
therefore replace this lost fluid by drinking more than normal. This is especially
important for children.
Your doctor may also give you a special powder containing sugar and salts
(know
- 3 -
Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking any medicine if you are
pregnant or breast-feeding.
Driving and using machines
This medicine may make you feel dizzy, tired or sleepy. You may also lose
consciousness, feel faint or less alert. If affected do not drive or operate
machinery.
Imodium oral solution contains
• glycerol: may cause headache, stomach upset and diarrhoea
• sodium saccharin (4.85 mg of sodium in 5 ml): To be taken into
consideration by patients on a controlled sodium diet
• methyl parahydroxybenzoate (E218) and propyl parahydroxybenzoate
(E216). These may cause an allergic reaction. This reaction may happen
some time after you have taken Imodium oral solution
• cochineal red A (E124) which may cause allergic reactions
• small amounts of ethanol (alcohol), less than 100 mg per dose
3 How to use Imodium oral solution
Always use Imodium oral solution exactly as your doctor has told you. You
should check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.
Taking this medicine
• Take this medicine by mouth
• Swallow the correct number of 5 ml doses of the oral solution
How to use the measuring cup
The measuring cup provided is marked with a 5 ml graduation line.
Keep the measuring cup the same way up as it sits on the bottle cap. To be
certain that you fill the correct side, make sure that the side with the
graduations (the side that holds less) is uppermost. This is the side you have
to fill. The arrow on the side should also be pointing up.
How much to take
The dose of Imodium oral solution that you will need will depend on whether
your diarrhoea is a sudden attack (acute) or a long-lasting condition (chronic).
Short-lived (acute) diarrhoea
Adults
• Take four 5 ml doses (20 ml) of the oral solution straight away
- 4 -
• From then on take two 5 ml doses (10 ml) after each episode of
diarrhoea
• Never take more than sixteen 5 ml doses (80 ml) of the oral solution in
any 24 hour period
Children aged 9 and above
• Take two 5 ml doses (10 ml) of the oral solution 4 times a day until
diarrhoea is controlled
Children aged 4-8 years old:
• Take one 5 ml dose of the oral solution 3 to 4 times a day until the
diarrhoea is controlled
If you are not getting better within 2 days of taking your first dose of Imodium
oral solution, stop taking this medicine and go back to your doctor. He or she
may want to examine you to check on why you have diarrhoea.
Long-lasting (chronic) diarrhoea
Adults
• Your doctor will tell you how much Imodium oral solution to take. This will
depend on how serious your condition is
• You will probably start with a dose of between four to eight 5 ml doses
(20 ml to 40 ml) spread out over a day
• Your doctor will find the dose that suits you best. He or she may then
suggest you take the oral solution twice a day
• Never take more than sixteen 5 ml doses (80 ml) of the oral solution in
any 24 hour period
Children
• Imodium oral solution is not recommended for long-lasting (chronic)
diarrhoea in children
If you forget to take Imodium oral solution
• You should only take this medicine as required following the dosage
instructions above carefully
• If you forget to take a dose, take a dose after the next loose stool (bowel
movement)
• Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose
If you use more Imodium oral solution than you should
If you have taken too much Imodium oral solution, immediately contact a doctor
or hospital for advice. Symptoms may include: increased heart rate, irregular
heartbeat, changes to your heartbeat (these symptoms can have potentially
serious, life-threatening consequences), muscle stiffness, uncoordinated
movements, drowsiness, difficulty urinating, or weak breathing.
Children react more strongly to large amounts of Imodium oral solution than
adults. If a child takes too much or shows any of the above symptoms, call a
doctor immediately.
- 5 -
If you have any further questions on the use of this product, ask your doctor or
pharmacist.
4 Possible side effects
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not
everybody gets them.
Stop using Imodium oral solution and tell your doctor straight away if
you notice or suspect any of the following. You may need urgent
medical treatment.
• Sudden swelling of the face, lips or throat. Hives (also known as nettle rash
or urticaria), severe irritation, reddening or blistering of your skin. These may
be signs of a severe allergic reaction.
• Blistering of your skin, mouth, eyes and genitals
• Stomach pain or severe swollen stomach
• Severe constipation
• Loss of consciousness or reduced level of consciousness (feeling faint or
less alert)
Tell your doctor if you notice any of the following side effects while
using Imodium oral solution:
Common side effects (affects more than 1 in 100 patients)
• Headache
• Feeling dizzy
• Feeling sick (nausea)
• Constipation
• Wind
Uncommon side effects (affects fewer than 1 in 100 patients)
• Feeling sleepy or drowsy
• Dry mouth
• Being sick (vomiting), indigestion (dyspepsia)
• Rash
Rare side effects (affects fewer than 1 in 1000 patients)
• Tiny pupils
• Itchy skin
• Difficulty passing water
• Feeling tired
• Problems with co-ordination
• Unusually stiff muscles causing poor control of movement
Some of the listed side effects may be due to the diarrhoea, such as
discomfort around the middle, feeling sick or being sick, dry mouth, feeling
tired, drowsy or dizzy and wind.
Reporting of side effects
If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This
includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report
- 6 -
side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at:
www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard
By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety
of this medicine.
5 How to store Imodium oral solution
Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.
Do not use Imodium oral solution after the expiry date which is stated on the
label. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.
Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your
pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures
will help protect the environment.
6 Contents of the pack and other information
What Imodium oral solution contains
• The active substance is loperamide hydrochloride.
Each 5 ml dose of oral solution contains 1 mg loperamide hydrochloride.
(The oral solution contains 0.2 mg of loperamide hydrochloride in each
millilitre.)
• The other ingredients are glycerol, sodium saccharin, methyl
parahydroxybenzoate (E218), propyl parahydroxybenzoate (E216),
cochineal red A (E124), raspberry flavour, redcurrant flavour, ethanol, citric
acid and water.
What Imodium oral solution looks like and contents of the pack
Imodium oral solution is a red, fruit-flavoured, sugar-free oral solution.
It is available in 100 ml amber glass bottles with a plastic measuring cup.
Shipping charges mainland GB zone1
| Value | Weight | Delivery Charge |
| Over £49.00 | Any Weight | FREE |
| Under £49.00 | No weight limit | £4.50 |
| Under £49.00 | Under 250 grams | £3.49 |
Most orders are despatched the same day and standard delivery is 3 to 5 working days from despatch. FAST Expedited options are available at extra cost - these usually arrive in 24-48hrs from dispatch but delays are possible during busy periods.
Postcodes outside of Zone 1 (including some areas within mainland UK) may incur extra carriage charges due to surcharges imposed by the couriers. These will be calculated on the website at the checkout.
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Estimated "Usually shipped in" information is shown against most products
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We no longer send goods outside of the UK.
Prescription Items
Prescription items will be sent on receipt of a legally valid signed and dated prescription.
Pick up
We offer a pickup service for orders placed over the phone.
Please ring us on 01833 641112 for more information.
Refrigerated Items
- Refrigerated lines Packaging Cost: Despatched with Woolcool Refrigerated Packaging for £7.50.
Wool cool keeps pharmaceutical products at fridge-like, ambient, or even freezing temperatures for up to 72 hours, and possibly longer depending on the contents and use of ice packs.
Important Delivery Information:
- Receipt Required: Someone must be available to receive the delivery. Woolcool packaging is designed for temperature-controlled goods, so parcels cannot be left unattended.
- Immediate Refrigeration: Upon receipt, refrigerate the contents immediately to ensure your food or medicine remains at the correct temperature.
- Failed Delivery Attempts: We are not responsible for the cost of replacements if a delivery attempt fails due to the absence of someone to receive it.
We want you to be completely satisfied with any purchase. If not any item* can be returned to us within 14 days of receipt for exchange or refund Please give us a ring for a returns number on 01833 641112 or alternatively email sales@hyperdrug.co.uk to obtain a returns number.
*Due to legal requirements medicines may not be returned except to correct an error in despatch or in response to an "official recall". If an item is believed to be faulty it should be returned for inspection and it may be necessary to forward it to the manufacturers for testing before replacements or refunds can be authorised. This does not infringe legal rights. Please contact our customer services for a "Returns Number" which must appear on the outside of the package or it will not be accepted. We advise customers to use an insured method of shipping and to retain proof of despatch. We may refuse returns on products specially obtained or manufactured to order. Items must be returned unsoiled and unused and sent adequately packed and carriage paid.
