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.

Important warnings This medicine can cause some serious health issues

Oral route (capsule)

Cases of Torsades de Pointes, cardiac arrest, and death have been reported with the use of a higher than recommended dosages of loperamide hydrochloride.

Loperamide hydrochloride is contraindicated in pediatric patients less than 2 years of age.

Avoid loperamide hydrochloride dosages higher than recommended in adults and pediatric patients 2 years of age and older due to the risk of serious cardiac adverse reactions.

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:

Rare side effects

• bloating
• constipation
• loss of appetite
• nausea
• stomach pain
• vomiting

Incidence not known

• blistering, peeling, loosening of skin
• chest pain or discomfort
• chills
• cough
• decrease in urine volume
• decrease in frequency of urination
• difficulty in passing urine
• diarrhea
• fainting
• fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse
• hives or welts, itching, rash
• irregular or slow heartbeat
• joint or muscle pain
• large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, sex organs
• no blood pressure or pulse
• painful urination
• palpitations
• red irritated eyes
• redness of the skin
• red skin lesions, often with a purple center
• sores, ulcers, or white spots in the mouth or on the lips
• sore throat
• stopping of heart
• unconsciousness
• unusual tiredness or weakness

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:

Rare side effects

• acid or sour stomach
• belching
• dizziness
• drowsiness
• dryness of mouth
• excess air or gas in the stomach or bowels
• full feeling
• heartburn
• indigestion
• passing gas
• stomach upset

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

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