Immodium is the brand name for loperamide, a drug that decreases diarrhea. Immodium works by slowing peristalsis, the movement of the intestines, the Mayo Clinic states. Immodium shouldn't be used for more than two days; diarrhea lasting more than two days should be evaluated by a physician. It may take 48 hours for Immodium to work. Children under 2 should not be given Immodium. Like any drug, Immondium can have side effects.
Gastrointestinal Symptoms
Constipation was the most common reaction in clinical trials of Immodium, occurring in 1.6 to 5.3 percent of people. Immodium can also cause bloating from the slowdown of the movement of the intestines, nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort, gas and cramping. Loss of appetite and severe abdominal pain occur rarely, the Mayo Clinic reports.
Serious gastrointestinal effects reported to the FDA include megacolon (abnormal dilation of the colon and paralytic ileus) and extreme slowdown or complete cessation of movement of waste products through the intestine.
Other Side Effects
Immodium occasionally causes dizziness, dry mouth and drowsiness. Decreased urination can be a sign of overdose of Immodium, according to Drugs.com.
Allergic Reactions
Any drug can cause allergic reactions that can range from mild to severe. Hives, chest pain, shortness of breath, itching, facial swelling, throat tightening or swelling of the tongue can be signs of serious allergic reaction and require medical attention. Other signs of serious allergic reaction include a drop in blood pressure and loss of consciousness. Serious allergic reactions should be treated as medical emergencies. Mild rash or itching can be treated with antihistamines.
Rare cases of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) have been reported after using Immodium, Drugs.com reports. These serious allergic skin reactions cause blistering and rash; eyes can be affected by SJS, as can the liver, lungs and joints. TEN causes large areas of the top layer of the skin to blister and separate. Corticosteroids are often used to treat these reactions.
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