What are Imodium Instant Melts?
Imodium Instant Melts are tablets which can help to relieve 2 different types of diarrhoea. They melt in the mouth, making them ideal for those who don’t like to take traditional, solid tablets, and can help to treat both short term diarrhoea and diarrhoea caused by IBS.
What causes diarrhoea?
If you have short-term diarrhoea then the most common causes of this condition would be a stomach bug or food poisoning. These usually clear up by themselves within a couple of days to a week. Diarrhoea can also be caused by conditions such as IBS, food intolerance or allergies, or coeliac disease.
How will Imodium Instant Melts treat my diarrhoea?
Each Imodium Instant Melt tablet contains 2mg of loperamide hydrochloride, an active ingredient which helps to treat diarrhoea. It helps by slowing down an overactive bowel, giving the salts and water that your body loses when you have diarrhoea the chance to absorb into the body.
Can I take this product if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?
You should not take these tablets if you are breastfeeding, as small amounts of the medication can pass into your breast milk. If you are pregnant, you should speak to your doctor or Chemist 4 U pharmacist before taking this product to be sure that this is the right medication for both you and your baby.
Can I take this product if I’m taking other medication?
If you are taking any other medication, including those you have obtained without a prescription, you should speak to your doctor or Chemist 4 U pharmacist before taking Imodium Melts. This includes:
- Ritonavir – Used to treat HIV
- Quinidine – Used to treat abnormal heart rhythms or malaria
- Oral desmopressin – Used to treat excessive urination
- Itraconazole or ketoconazole – Used to treat fungal infections
- Gemfibrozil – Used to treat high cholesterol
Can I drive after taking these tablets?
Imodium Instant Melts can make you feel dizzy, drowsy, or tired after you take them. Do not attempt to drive or use tools or machinery unless you are absolutely sure that you are not affected in this way.
How to take Imodium Instant Melts
Take 2 Imodium Instant Melts at the start of your treatment and then 1 more every time you have a loose bowel movement. Let the tablets dissolve slowly on your tongue and swallow once dissolved. Do not chew the tablets and do not take more than 6 tablets in any 24-hour period.
How long can I take this product for?
If you are taking these tablets to treat short-term diarrhoea, you can take this medicine for up to 48 hours. If your diarrhoea lasts for longer than this, you should speak to your doctor. If you are treating diarrhoea caused by IBS, you can take this medicine for up to 2 weeks to treat repeated attacks. However, you should not take this product for attacks that last more than 48 hours. Speak to your doctor if any attack lasts for more than 48 hours or if your symptoms have not improved after 2 weeks.
Why do I have to answer questions before I can buy this product?
You do not need a prescription for Imodium Instant Melts, however you will be asked to complete a short medical questionnaire by your Chemist 4 U 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 Instant Melts not be used?
Imodium Instant Melts are not suitable for use by children under the age of 12 or IBS patients who are 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, e.g. ulcerative colitis
- Are constipated or your stomach appears swollen
- Have acute dysentery, showing symptoms such as blood in the stools, high temperature
Speak to your doctor or Chemist 4 U pharmacist before taking this product if you are:
- Have AIDS and your stomach becomes swollen
- Suffer with liver disease
- Have diarrhoea which lasts for more than 48 hours
- Have severe diarrhoea
If you have IBS, speak to your doctor before using this product if you:
- Are over 40 and is has been some time since your last IBS attack
- Are over 40 and your IBS symptoms are different than usual
- You have recently passed blood from the bowel
- Suffer from 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 medications, Imodium Instant Melts 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 the face or throat
- Skin rashes, which may be severe and include blistering or peeling 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
- Burning or prickling sensation of the tongue
- 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 Chemist 4 U pharmacist as soon as possible. For more information about reporting the side effects of medication, please see the MHRA’s Yellow Card Website.
How to store this medication
Store in a cool, dry place. Store in original packaging, do not use if expiry date printed on 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 Chemist 4 U 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:
Ingredients
The active ingredient in Imodium Instant Melts is: Loperamide hydrochloride 2 mg per tablet.
Other ingredients are: Gelatin, mannitol, aspartame, mint flavour and sodium hydrogen carbonate.
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Method | Handling Time | Transit Time | Timescale | Approx Cost |
---|---|---|---|---|
Standard Shipping (3-5 Working Days) | 1 | 2 | 3 | £2.95 |
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