Patient/caregiver was educated on the side-effects of using Imodium as follows:
General allergic reactions
- Imodium use can result in general allergic reactions, such as, skin rashes, hives, and itching.
- Some patients can present with symptoms of severe allergic and anaphylactic response with imodium, such as, difficulty breathing, swelling of face, lips, throat, and tongue, with consequent difficulty breathing. Seek emergency medical help for such findings, especially with difficulty breathing, for any appropriate measures to be considered.
Gastrointestinal side-effects
- Imodium use can result in common general constitutional symptoms such as, nausea and vomiting, especially when taken on empty stomach. Taking dose of imodium with a glass of water, after having some food or a snack can help avoid having unpleasant gastrointestinal symptoms with the medication.
- Imodium use can also induce extreme dry mouth and slowing of bowel movements. Sucking on a sugar free hard candy can help with symptomatic relief of dry mouth. Proper hydration measures and compliance with daily fluid intake recommendations can help with relief from dry mouth and slowed bowel movements. Also, compliance with hydration measures can help with preventing any side-effects of fluid loss due to dehydration.
- Slowed bowel movements due to imodium can lead to bloating and episodes of constipation, which can result in individuals presenting with abdominal pain and fatigue. Observing compliance with hydration measures and fluid recommendations can help prevent constipation and bloating. If you experience any bothersome gastrointestinal symptoms, report it to your physician for further recommendations.
