Imodium A-D Side Effects

Generic name: loperamide

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 17, 2025.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Imodium A-D Side Effects associated with loperamide. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Imodium A-D.

Applies to loperamide: oral capsule, oral capsule liquid filled, oral liquid, oral solution, oral suspension, oral tablet.

Precautions

If you will be taking this medicine for chronic diarrhea, it is very important that your doctor check you at regular visits for any problems or unwanted effects that may be caused by this medicine. If you will be taking this medicine for acute diarrhea, you should not use it for more than 2 days, unless directed by your doctor.

Check with your doctor if your diarrhea does not stop after two days or if you develop a fever.

This medicine may cause heart rhythm problems (eg, torsades de pointes, ventricular arrhythmias). Check with your doctor right away if you or your child have chest pain or discomfort, fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat, fainting, or trouble breathing.

Loperamide may increase your risk for stomach or bowel problems. Check with your doctor right away if you have bloating, blood in the stools, constipation, fever, loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, or stomach pain.

This medicine may cause serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Check with your doctor right away if you have a rash, itching, hoarseness, trouble breathing, trouble swallowing, or any swelling of your hands, face, or mouth while you are using this medicine.

This medicine may cause some people to become dizzy, or drowsy, or tired. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.

Serious side effects of Imodium A-D

Along with its needed effects, loperamide (the active ingredient contained in Imodium A-D) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking loperamide:

Other side effects of Imodium A-D

Some side effects of loperamide may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

For healthcare professionals

Applies to loperamide: compounding powder, oral capsule, oral liquid, oral suspension, oral tablet, oral tablet chewable.

General adverse events

The most common adverse events were constipation, flatulence, headache, nausea, and dizziness.

Gastrointestinal

• Common (1% to 10%): Constipation, nausea, flatulence, dry mouth, abdominal cramp, colic, vomiting, meteorism, abdominal pain
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Abdominal discomfort, abdominal pain upper, dyspepsia
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Ileus (including paralytic ileus), megacolon (including toxic megacolon), abdominal distension^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Common (1% to 10%): Headache, dizziness
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Somnolence
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Loss of consciousness, stupor, depressed level of consciousness, hypertonia, coordination abnormality
• Postmarketing reports: Syncope^[Ref]

Other

• Rare (less than 0.1%): Fatigue
• Postmarketing reports: Death, tiredness^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Rare (less than 0.1%): Hypersensitivity reaction, anaphylactic reaction (including anaphylactic shock), anaphylactoid reaction^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Postmarketing reports: QT/QTc prolongation, Torsades de Pointes, other ventricular arrhythmias, cardiac arrest^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Rash
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Bullous eruption (including Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, and erythema multiforme), angioedema, urticaria, pruritus^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Rare (less than 0.1%): Urinary retention^[Ref]

Ocular

• Rare (less than 0.1%): Miosis

See also:

Frequently asked questions

• How long does Imodium stop diarrhea for?

Further information

Imodium A-D side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer