FDA warns travelers about misuse of Imodium for diarrhea

It isn’t always convenient to find a local pharmacy when traveling abroad. So most intrepid travelers keep a ready-to-go stash with meds they might need for the typical maladies that occur on overseas trips: headaches, stuffed noses or upset stomachs.

Along with bandages for blistered feet and such, many travel “first-aid” kits include loperamide (sold under the trade name Imodium). Imodium A-D is a drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to help control the symptoms of travelers’ diarrhea—which include frequent bowel movements, gas and bloating.

Each of these symptoms can surely “cramp” your style when traveling.

Travelers’ diarrhea: A common malady

What causes an upset gut when you’re away from home?

Experts report that changes in eating habits and different bacteria and mineral content found in water can easily lead to diarrhea or constipation.

In fact, up to half of all international travelers experience diarrhea, making it the most common travel-related illness.

Available over-the-counter (OTC), Imodium A-D can be extremely effective in reducing the mobility in the intestine that leads to frequent bowel movements while traveling.

The maximum dose for OTC use of the drug is 8 mg per day (four-2 mg tablets) and no more than 16 mg when prescribed by a doctor. The medication shouldn’t be taken for more than two days.

Misuse of Imodium: The lurking danger

However, like most drugs, abuse or misuse of Imodium can cause serious health problems. Many travelers may make the mistake of taking more of the anti-diarrheal medication each day than is recommended or take it for more days than advised.

Another reason for misuse/abuse: The Washington Post reports the loperamide is sometimes called “the poor man’s methadone” because it can induce a cheap, mild high and relieve withdrawal symptoms in addicts.

Despite label warnings on the package, the FDA continues to receive reports of severe heart rhythm problems and even death when the drug is taken at much higher doses than those listed on the label.

For this reason, the FDA issued a new safety communication on January 29, 2018 concerning the use of Imodium to treat travelers’ diarrhea.

What you should know

The FDA warns:

• If your diarrhea lasts more than two days, do not continue to take this anti-diarrhea medication without the advice of a physician.

• If you or a fellow traveler experiences fainting, rapid heartbeat or unresponsiveness while taking Imodium, seek out immediate medical attention (e.g. 911 or an emergency room); inform the attending health professional that you have been taking the drug loperamide.

The bottom line

The FDA is working with manufacturers to encourage single dose packaging and blister packs, and to limit the number of doses in a package.

But don’t toss your pills just yet. The FDA notes that use of Imodium for travelers’ diarrhea is safe and effective when taken as directed.

Remember! Don’t take more than four two mg tablets per day for more than two days.

---

READ MORE

• FDA limits packaging for anti-diarrhea medicine loperamide (Imodium) to encourage safe use
• On Medicine Net: Travelers’ Diarrhea

---