{"id":10105,"date":"2020-03-30T08:40:53","date_gmt":"2020-03-30T12:40:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=10105"},"modified":"2026-09-01T15:07:50","modified_gmt":"2026-09-01T19:07:50","slug":"lomotil-vs-imodium","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/lomotil-vs-imodium\/","title":{"rendered":"Lomotil vs. Imodium: Which works better for diarrhea?"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you’re trying to decide between Lomotil<\/a> and Imodium<\/a>, both antidiarrheal medications can help reduce loose stools, but they aren’t interchangeable. Imodium (loperamide) is available over the counter and is usually the first choice for short-term diarrhea. At the same time, Lomotil (diphenoxylate\/atropine) is a prescription medication typically reserved for more severe cases. Here’s how they compare in effectiveness, side effects, cost, and safety.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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Lomotil vs. Imodium at a glance<\/h2>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

If you want\u2026<\/b><\/td>\nChoose<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
An over-the-counter option<\/td>\nImodium<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Prescription treatment for severe diarrhea<\/td>\nLomotil<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Fewer side effects<\/td>\nImodium<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Lower abuse potential<\/td>\nImodium<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Treatment supervised by a healthcare provider<\/td>\nLomotil<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

What are the main differences between Lomotil and Imodium?<\/h2>\n

Lomotil\u00a0<\/h3>\n

Lomotil<\/a> is a brand-name drug that can only be obtained with a prescription, and generic versions are available as well. It contains a combination of diphenoxylate (an opioid) and atropine (an anticholinergic drug).\u00a0<\/p>\n

Diphenoxylate is the primary ingredient that binds to opioid receptors in the gut to slow intestinal motility. Atropine is added to discourage drug abuse since diphenoxylate is a controlled substance on its own.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Imodium<\/h3>\n

Imodium<\/a>, also called Imodium A-D, is the brand name for loperamide. Unlike Lomotil, Imodium can be purchased over the counter (OTC) in both brand and generic versions. Therefore, it\u2019s more widely available.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Loperamide\u2019s chemical structure is similar to that of an opioid. It binds to opioid receptors in the intestinal wall, slowing gut motility. It also blocks a chemical called acetylcholine, leading to decreased fluid and electrolyte loss. Because Imodium has minimal absorption in the central nervous system (CNS), it produces fewer CNS side effects than Lomotil, which has the opioid diphenoxylate as a primary ingredient. In addition to treating diarrhea, it is sometimes used to reduce stool output in people who have had an ileostomy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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Main differences between Lomotil and Imodium<\/h2>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

Feature<\/b><\/td>\nLomotil<\/b><\/td>\nImodium<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Prescription required<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
OTC available<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Works quickly<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Controlled substance<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
First-line treatment<\/td>\nUsually no\u00a0<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Abuse potential<\/td>\nHigher<\/td>\nLower<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Common side effects<\/td>\nDrowsiness<\/td>\nConstipation<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Best for\u00a0<\/td>\nSevere or persistent cases<\/td>\nAcute diarrhea<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

How long does it take Lomotil vs. Imodium to work?<\/h2>\n

Lomotil starts working within a few hours, but it may take about 2 days (48 hours) to see improvement in diarrhea.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Imodium typically starts to work within one hour.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Is Lomotil or Imodium more effective?<\/h2>\n

Lomotil and Imodium are commonly used antidiarrheal agents. They are both effective and work relatively quickly to relieve diarrhea symptoms. The best drug for you will depend on your overall condition and medical history, which your healthcare provider should assess.<\/p>\n

There are no recent clinical studies that compare the effectiveness of these two drugs. In 2016, the American College of Gastroenterology<\/a> (ACG) published a clinical guideline for managing acute diarrhea in adults. In this guideline, the ACG noted that the major antimotility drugs for acute diarrhea are Lomotil and Imodium. They state that of the two drugs, Imodium (loperamide) is considered \u201cthe most useful drug\u201d because it has fewer central nervous system effects. Also, Lomotil contains atropine, which is an abuse deterrent but does not help with diarrhea, and it may cause additional side effects.<\/p>\n

Imodium may be better if:<\/p>\n