Imodium dosage, forms, and strengths

Imodium (loperamide) is a brand-name nonprescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat various symptoms of diarrhea and Traveler’s Diarrhea. Its active ingredient, loperamide, is a type of opioid and works by slowing down the contractions of the bowels. Though sold over-the-counter (OTC), loperamide can cause side effects and interact with many prescription drugs that users of Imodium should be familiar with.

Imodium forms and strengths

Imodium belongs to a drug class called antidiarrheals and is available in a generic version. Imodium doses are taken orally. Imodium comes in three different dosage forms and strengths:

• Tablets: 2 mg, 2 mg/125 mg (simethicone)

• Capsules 2 mg

• Oral solution: 1 mg/7.5 mL

Imodium dosage for adults

Imodium treats many types of acute diarrhea, including nonspecific diarrhea, chronic diarrhea, traveler’s diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and diarrhea after surgery. The initial dose is usually taken after the first loose stool. The subsequent doses can be taken if loose stool continues. The maximum dosage for adults is 8 mg daily, according to the manufacturer’s instructions. 

Imodium Multi-Symptom Antidiarrheal Relief contains loperamide and simethicone, which can relieve gas, bloating, and abdominal cramping. Imodium may not be right for everyone. Do not use it if you have ever had a rash or other allergic reaction to loperamide. People with bloody or black stools shouldn’t take it as well without talking with their healthcare provider. Lastly, anyone with a fever, mucus in their stools, ulcerative colitis, or a history of irregular heartbeats or liver disease should ask a healthcare professional for medical advice before taking loperamide.

Imodium dosage for children

The FDA approved Imodium as an antidiarrheal medication for children as young as 2 years of age. 

Some forms of imodium should be administered to children based on weight. If that’s not possible, it can be dosed by age.

• Standard Imodium dosage for children ages 12 and older: 4 mg (two tablets or capsules, 30 mL oral solution) after the first loose stool and 2 mg (one tablet or capsule, 15 mL oral solution) after the next loose stool. Do not take more than 

• 8 mg (four tablets or capsules, 60 mL oral solution) per day (24 hours)

• Standard Imodium dosage for children ages 9–11 (60–95 pounds): 2 mg (one tablet or 15 mL oral solution) after the first loose stool and 1 mg (one-half tablet or 7.5 mL oral solution) after the next loose stool. Do not take more than 

• 6 mg (three tablets or 45 mL oral solution) per day (24 hours)

• Standard Imodium dosage for children ages 6–8 (48–59 pounds): 2 mg (one tablet or 15 mL oral solution) after the first loose stool and 1 mg (one-half tablet or 7.5 mL oral solution) after the next loose stool. Do not take more than

• 4 mg (two tablets or 30 mL oral solution) per day

• Standard Imodium A-D dosage for children ages 2–5: Ask a doctor

Imodium dosage restrictions

Imodium does not require dosage restrictions in people with liver disease, kidney problems, or other medical conditions. However, people with liver disease or heart rhythm irregularities should talk to a doctor before taking Imodium.

Imodium dosage for pets

Do not give Imodium to a pet unless a veterinarian prescribes it. .

Veterinary professionals treat diarrhea in dogs with loperamide but rarely use it for cats. Since the recommended doses are very small, over-the-counter products for humans aren’t safe for pets. Instead, your veterinarian will provide a proper veterinary formulation.

How to take Imodium

It's important to follow the directions carefully when taking Imodium. Unlike other medicines, you don’t take it on a regular schedule. Instead, take it as directed by your healthcare provider or pharmacist after a loose bowel movement. Ensure you drink plenty of clear fluids to stay hydrated, as diarrhea can lead to dehydration. If you take any prescription drug, vitamin, OTC medicine, herbal, or natural supplement, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist before use. 

Imodium dosage FAQs

How long does it take Imodium to work?

Loperamide will help relieve diarrhea within about one hour of taking a dose. A single dose may be enough to start producing formed stools. People can take a second dose after the next loose stool and possibly a third dose after the next loose stool.

How long does Imodium stay in your system?

Loperamide is long-acting. A single dose of loperamide has a half-life of approximately 7- , so it should take two days to completely clear a dose from the body. 

What happens if I miss a dose of Imodium?

Take loperamide only if you have loose stools. A second dose can be taken after the next loose stool. Do not take any more doses if you stop having loose stools. If you miss a dose, take that missed dose when you have a loose stool. Skip the missed dose if your stools return to normal.

How long can you take Imodium?

Do not take Imodium for longer than two days. If diarrhea persists beyond that time, talk to your healthcare provider or doctor.

How do I stop taking Imodium?

When used as directed, Imodium can be stopped at any time without causing withdrawal symptoms. Continual or chronic use of loperamide can cause withdrawal symptoms when discontinued. People using Imodium for illicit purposes or overusing it for diarrhea should talk to a doctor.

What is the maximum dosage for Imodium?

The maximum dosage of Imodium for healthy adults is 8 mg per day for no longer than two days. For children, the maximum daily dose is 6 mg for children ages 9–11 and 4 mg to 6 mg for children ages 6–8. In 2016, the FDA warned about serious heart problems with high doses of the antidiarrheal medicine loperamide (Imodium), including abuse and misuse.

Can you overdose on Imodium?

Yes, you can if you exceed the manufacturer's recommended imodium dosage. Because Loperamide is an opioid, taking too much Imodium can lead to slowed breathing, fainting, and heart problems, such as irregular heartbeat. 

High doses of loperamide can cause heart rhythm abnormalities, respiratory depression, or death. 

Call your doctor immediately if you think you've taken too much Imodium. You can also contact America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222, call 911, or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.

What interacts with Imodium?

Avoid taking Imodium or talk to a doctor if you are taking the following medications:

• Narcotic pain relievers

• Drugs that make you sleepy like benzodiazepines or sedative antihistamines

• Drugs that slow down stomach emptying or intestinal contractions

• Amiodarone, carbamazepine, carvedilol, clarithromycin, desmopressin, gemfibrozil, itraconazole, ketoconazole, lonafarnib, phenytoin, quinidine, rifampicin, ritonavir, verapamil

What happens when you mix Imodium and alcohol?

Try to avoid drinking alcohol when taking Imodium. Alcohol can worsen Imodium side effects like drowsiness, dizziness, or lightheadedness.

Is it safe to take Imodium during pregnancy?

Imodium is not recommended for use during pregnancy or when women are breastfeeding.

What are the side effects of Imodium?

The most common side effects of Imodium are constipation, nausea, vomiting, and gas. Imodium can also make people sleepy, tired, or dizzy, so be careful driving or engaging in any other risky activity.

What are the most serious side effects of Imodium?

When used as directed, Imodium only rarely causes serious adverse effects outside of possible allergic reactions. However, people who misuse the drug can experience serious heart problems, heart arrhythmias, severe dizziness, trouble breathing, paralyzed colon (ileus), or heart attack.

Can Imodium help with bloating as well as diarrhea?

Yes, Imodium Multi-Symptom Relief Caplets contain both loperamide to relieve diarrhea and simethicone, a drug that reduces bloating and abdominal cramps.

Sources

• Imodium, Johnson & Johnson, Inc.

• Imodium A-D loperamide hydrochloride capsule drug information, DailyMed (NIH National Library of Medicine)

• Imodium A-D loperamide hydrochloride solution drug information, DailyMed (NIH National Library of Medicine)

• Imodium A-D loperamide hydrochloride tablet drug information, DailyMed (NIH National Library of Medicine)

• Imodium Multi-Symptom Relief loperamide hydrochloride and simethicone tablets, DailyMed (NIH National Library of Medicine)

• Loperamide, StatPearls

• Loperamide drug summary, Prescriber’s Digital Reference (PDR)

• Imodium, Johnson & Johnson, Inc.

• FDA warns about serious heart problems with high doses of the antidiarrheal medicine loperamide (Imodium), including from abuse and misuseFood and Drug Administration. FDA Drug Safety Communication (2018)

• Loperamide. StatPearls (2024)