Imodium Syrup SF

What is Imodium Syrup used for?

Imodium Syrup SF is an antidiarrhoeal oral solution for treating acute or chronic diarrhoea in adults. If you have trouble taking loperamide tablets, then Imodium syrup may be more suitable.

Imodium liquid is sugar-free and flavoured with raspberry and redcurrant flavourings. It is available in 100ml bottles, which yields approximately 10x 5ml doses.

Each pack of Imodium syrup comes with a plastic measuring cup to measure your dose correctly.

While Imodium tablets are available over the counter, Imodium syrup is only available on prescription.

With Prescription Doctor, you can order Imodium syrup online from a UK registered pharmacy. We offer a fast and discreet next-day delivery on orders approved before 3pm on weekdays.

What causes diarrhoea?

Diarrhoea is the passing of loose or watery stools more regularly than normal. It usually happens when your bowels are unable to absorb fluid back into your body properly, causing excessive water to come out with your stool.

Certain factors, such as bacteria or viral infections, food intolerances or diet can interfere with the bowel movements in some people, causing symptoms such as diarrhoea, among other conditions.

Why is it important to treat diarrhoea?

Diarrhoea causes the body to lose fluids, which can result in dehydration. Symptoms of dehydration can include:

• Dizziness
• Dry mouth
• Dry skin
• Fainting
• Faster breathing
• Headaches
• Increased heartbeat
• Muscle cramps
• Sunken eyes

Treating diarrhoea can greatly reduce the risk of experiencing dehydration.

While taking Imodium Syrup, you must keep hydrated by drinking of plenty of water. Imodium syrup itself will not rehydrate you. 

Avoid drinking alcohol or caffeinated beverages while treating diarrhoea, as these can make your symptoms worse. Stick to water or fruit juice.

How does Imodium Syrup SF Work?

Imodium Syrup contains the active ingredient loperamide hydrochloride. Loperamide is a type of medicine which works against certain receptors in the bowels in order to decrease the tone of the muscles in the intestinal wall.

This action works to slow down the movements of the bowel, allowing the body to absorb water and thicken your stools.

How long does Imodium syrup take to work?

Loperamide, the active ingredient of Imodium syrup, starts working within 1 hour of taking it.

It may take a few days of taking Imodium before you notice an improvement in your condition.

How long does the effect of Imodium Syrup last?

The effect of Imodium Syrup should last between 8 and 12 hours. If taken in the morning, Imodium Syrup should provide all-day relief from diarrhoea.

Imodium Syrup only treats the diarrhoea symptoms and does not replenish the body with water or salts, which are typically lost during several episodes of diarrhoea. It is important to drink more fluids than normal when treating diarrhoea with loperamide.

How do I use Imodium Syrup SF?

Follow your physician's instructions carefully when you take Imodium Syrup SF.

Imodium Syrup SF comes with a measuring cup with a 5 ml line.

Set the measuring cup on a stable surface with the arrow pointing upward.

Pour the designated amount of solution into the cup, stopping when the fluid reaches the appropriate measuring line. For example, if your doctor says to take a 5 ml dose, stop pouring when the fluid line reaches the 5 ml mark on the cup.

Do not use a kitchen spoon, as this can lead you to taking the wrong amount of Imodium. Use the measuring cup provided.

The amount you take is related to whether the diarrhoea attack is sudden (acute) or it comes and goes over a period of time (chronic). For this reason, you must take Imodium as prescribed by your doctor.

Typical doses are:

• For an adult with acute diarrhoea - four 5 ml portions at once for the initial dose. Take an additional two 5 ml doses after each diarrhoea episode until it stops.
• Adults with chronic diarrhoea - Unless otherwise directed by your doctor, take four to eight 5 ml doses throughout the day.

Do not take more than 16x 5ml doses in one day.

Your diarrhoea symptoms should improve within two days after the first dose. If not, stop taking Imodium Syrup and contact your doctor.

What should I do if I forget to take a dose of Imodium Syrup?

If you forget to take Imodium Syrup, take the dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose of Imodium Syrup.

Do not take more Imodium Syrup to make up for a missed dose.

What should I do if I take too much Imodium Syrup?

There have been incidents of serious heart problems after taking too much loperamide, which is the active ingredient in Imodium Syrup SF.

If you take too much Imodium Syrup, seek help at the hospital casualty department, especially if you feel like your heart is racing, have slow breathing, or become dizzy.

If you are unsure how much Imodium to take, ask your doctor or speak to a pharmacist.

Imodium Syrup SF side effects and cautions

Before you start taking Imodium Syrup, you must read the enclosed patient information leaflet. The patient information leaflet contains instructions on using, storing and disposing Imodium solution.

You can read the patient information leaflet for Imodium Syrup SF online.

If you have any questions or concerns about any of the information displayed in the patient information leaflet, speak to your doctor or a pharmacist.

Who should not take Imodium Syrup?

Imodium Syrup is not suitable for everyone.

Do not take Imodium Syrup SF if you:

• have severe diarrhoea that starts after taking antibiotics
• are in the middle of an ulcerative colitis flare-up
• are constipated or if you have a swollen abdomen.

Speak to your doctor before taking Imodium if you:

• have blood in your stool and a fever
• have liver problems
• have HIV/AIDS. If you do have AIDS and are taking Imodium Syrup SF and your stomach becomes swollen, stop taking it.

If you are unsure whether it is safe for to take Imodium Syrup, speak to your doctor.

Allergies

Do not take Imodium Syrup SF if you are allergic to:

• Loperamide hydrochloride
• Glycerol
• Sodium saccharin
• Methyl parahydroxybenzoate (E218)
• Propyl parahydroxybenzoate (E216)
• Cochineal red A (E124)
• Ethanol
• Citric acid
• Raspberry flavouring
• Redcurrant flavouring

Stop taking Imodium syrup SF and contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following allergy side effects:

• Signs of an allergic reaction such as swelling in the face, tongue or throat or hives (lumpy, itchy rash) on the skin.
• Blistering anywhere on the skin, in the mouth or in or around the eyes.
• Swelling of the stomach or severe stomach pain
• Extreme constipation
• Feeling extremely faint, dizzy or if you have trouble concentrating

Imodium Syrup side effects

All medicines have side effects, though not everybody gets them.

While taking Imodium Syrup SF, you should remain aware of potential side effects you may experience.

Common side effects of Imodium Syrup SF include:

• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Nausea - feeling sick
• Constipation
• Flatulence

Uncommon/rare Imodium Syrup SF side effects include:

• Dry mouth
• Vomiting or indigestion
• Rash
• Dilated pupils (pupils get smaller)
• Skin that becomes itchy
• Trouble urinating
• Fatigue (feeling tired)
• Difficulty balancing
• Stiff muscles

This is not an exhaustive list of side effects. For more information about the safety of Imodium syrup, read the patient information leaflet enclosed with your medicine.

Taking Imodium Syrup during pregnancy and breastfeeding

Tell your medical provider if you are pregnant or if you suspect you might be pregnant.

Other safety information

This medication contains sodium saccharin and may not be suitable if you are on a sodium-controlled diet.

Imodium Syrup SF contains a small amount of alcohol (less than 100 mg per dose).

Do not take Imodium oral solution past the expiry date printed on the packaging.

Never throw away medicines via household or water waste, as this can damage the environment. Instead, take any unwanted or expired medicine to your local pharmacy and ask them to dispose the medicine on your behalf.

Always store medicine out of the sight and reach of children and pets.

Never share your medicine with anyone else, even if they are experiencing the same symptoms as you.

Frequently Asked Questions about Imodium Syrup SF

Can I drink alcohol while taking Imodium Syrup SF?

You should avoid or limit your consumption of alcohol while taking Imodium Syrup as it may increase your risk of side effects, such as nausea, tiredness or dizziness.

While treating diarrhoea, alcohol should be avoided due to its diuretic effect, which can lead to dehydration.

Will Imodium Syrup SF impact my ability to drive or operate machinery?

Some people report feeling dizzy after taking Imodium Syrup. It also contains a small amount of alcohol, which could make staying focused difficult. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how Imodium Syrup SF will affect you.

Can I take Imodium Syrup SF with Dioralyte?

Yes, it is safe to take Dioralyte with Imodium Syrup.

Dioralyte is a medicine known as a rehydrating salt. It helps to rehydrate the body following episodes of diarrhoea.

Can I take Imodium Syrup while pregnant or breastfeeding?

No, you should not take Imodium Syrup while pregnant or breastfeeding because there is no data to determine the safety of the medicine for women in these groups.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, and suffering a bout of diarrhoea, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.