Comment
Author: Admin | 2025-04-28
Diarrhea is an unpleasant and inconvenient condition. Fortunately, it usually resolves on its own without medication. When symptoms arise, many people turn to over-the-counter (OTC) medications for relief. OTC medications that you can purchase at a drugstore include Imodium (loperamide), Kaopectate (bismuth subsalicylate), and Pepto-Bismol (bismuth subsalicylate). These can be helpful for occasional diarrhea. However, in some cases, OTC medications aren’t effective or appropriate for treating diarrhea, particularly if it occurs due to an underlying medical concern. In these cases, prescription medications may be helpful. Getty Images / Mario Tama / Staff OTC Medicines for Diarrhea OTC medications are an option for treating occasional episodes of diarrhea. Many different brands and generic products are available without a prescription, but most contain either loperamide or bismuth subsalicylate as a main ingredient. Imodium (Loperamide) Imodium A-D is a popular antidiarrheal medicine that contains the active ingredient loperamide. Imodium is available without a prescripton in several oral forms, including tablets, capsules, and liquids. Loperamide also comes as an OTC combination product called Imodium Multi-Symptom Relief. It contains simethicone as an added active ingredient, which helps to relieve gas. The table below summarizes the recommended dosages of OTC Imodium A-D products. Note that loperamide 2 milligram (mg) capsules are also available with a prescription. Your healthcare provider may recommend a different dosage than what's shown below. Brand NameImodium A-DImodium A-DImodium Multi-Symptom ReliefActive IngredientsLoperamide (antidiarrheal)Loperamide (antidiarrheal)Loperamide (antidiarrheal) and Simethicone (anti-gas)Forms and StrengthsTablet: 2 mg; Capsule: 2 mg Oral Solution: 1 mg per 7.5 milliliters (mL)2 mg of loperamide and 125 mg of simethicone in each tabletTypical Recommended Dosages Adults and children 12 and older: Take 4 mg after first loose stool, then take 2 mg after each subsequent loose stool. Do not take more than 8 mg in 24 hours. Children ages 9 to 11 (tablet form): Take 2 mg after first loose stool, then take 1 mg (one-half tablet) after each subsequent loose stool. Do not take more than three tablets in 24 hours. Children ages 6–8: take 2 mg after first loose stool, and take 1 mg ( one-half tablet) after each subsequent
Add Comment