What are Imodium Instants?
Imodium Instants are orodispersible tablets that can effectively relieve diarrhoea in less than one hour. Orodispersible tablets are an excellent alternative for those who have trouble swallowing tablets, as they are easily dissolved in the mouth without the need for water. Imodium Instants can be used to treat two types of diarrhoea: short-term or IBS related.
What is diarrhoea?
Diarrhoea occurs when fluid cannot be absorbed from the contents of your bowel, or when extra fluid leaks into your bowel. This results in loose, watery stools and can be really uncomfortable and unpleasant. Diarrhoea can be caused by a number of different things, including:
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Food poisoning
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Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
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A food allergy or intolerance
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A viral infection, such as norovirus
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A bacterial infection, such as E.coli
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A reaction to medication
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An inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn’s
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Coeliac disease
Thankfully, short-term diarrhoea usually isn’t serious and typically doesn’t last longer than a couple of days. It is, however, important to prevent dehydration from loss of fluids. You can browse our range of dehydration relief products here.
How will Imodium Instants treat my diarrhoea?
Imodium Instants contain 2mg of the active ingredient loperamide hydrochloride. Loperamide will relieve your diarrhoea by slowing down your overactive bowel, allowing water and salts that are usually lost in diarrhoea to be absorbed by the body correctly.
What is the difference between Imodium Instants and Imodium Instant Melts?
Imodium Instants and Imodium Instant Melts are both dissolvable tablets that contain 2mg of loperamide hydrochloride. Unlike Imodium Instant Melts, you will not need to answer any questions from our pharmacists before purchasing Imodium Instants.
What is the recommended dosage?
It is important to note that the recommended dosage changes slightly depending on whether your diarrhoea is short-term or caused by IBS.
If your diarrhoea is short-term:
Adults and children over 12 should take two tablets to start treatment, then one tablet after each loose bowel movement. You must not take Imodium Instant for diarrhoea attacks that last longer than 48 hours, and you must not take more than 6 tablets in one day.
If your diarrhoea is caused by IBS:
If you’re an adult who has been diagnosed with IBS by a doctor, you should take two tablets to start treatment, then one tablet after each loose bowel movement. You can take Imodium Instant for up to 2 weeks to treat repeat attacks, however you must not take this medicine for any one diarrhoea attack that lasts longer than 48 hours. You must not take more than 6 tablets in one day.
Who are these tablets suitable for?
Loperamide tablets are suitable for most adults and children over the age of 12. Children under 12 should not take loperamide - for suitable alternatives speak to a Chemist4U pharmacist.
Do not take Imodium Instants if:
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You have ever had a severe allergic reaction to any of the ingredients
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You have severe diarrhoea after taking antibiotics
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You are suffering from a flare up of an inflammatory bowel disorder, such as ulcerative colitis
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You are constipated, or your stomach appears swollen
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You have acute dysentery, an intestinal infection that can cause blood in your stools
You should consult your doctor or Chemist4U pharmacist before taking Imodium Instants if you are suffering from severe diarrhoea, or if you suffer from liver disease or AIDS. Imodium Instants should not be taken without medical advice if you also take any other prescribed medicines including:
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Ritonavir (used to treat HIV)
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Quinidine (used to treat abnormal heart rhythms or malaria)
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Oral desmopressin (used to treat excessive urination)
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Itraconazole or ketoconazole (used to treat fungal infections)
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Gemfibrozil (used to treat high cholesterol)
Are Imodium Instants suitable for pregnant or breastfeeding women?
If you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or are trying to become pregnant, then you should consult your doctor or Chemist4U pharmacist before taking loperamide tablets. You should not take this medication if you are breastfeeding, as small amounts could end up in your milk.
Can loperamide make me feel drowsy?
There is a chance that loperamide tablets could make you feel dizzy or drowsy, however this is not always the case. If you do find yourself feeling drowsy whilst taking Imodium Instants, you should not drive or use machinery.
Are there any side effects?
As with all medication, there is the chance of side effects when taking Imodium Instants. These are usually mild, with severe side effects only affecting a very small amount of people.
Common side effects include:
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Feeling sick
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Constipation
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Wind
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Headache
For more information on uncommon or rare side effects, please refer to the patient information leaflet. If you need any advice regarding these possible side effects, contact a Chemist4U pharmacist.
More 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:
