Imodium (loperamide) is an over-the-counter (OTC) drug that’s used to treat diarrhea. The drug comes as an oral tablet, oral capsule, and oral liquid solution. Your dosage will vary depending on the form you take.
Imodium is used in adults and some children to treat certain types of acute (sudden) short-term diarrhea, including traveler’s diarrhea.
The active ingredient in Imodium is loperamide. Imodium belongs to a group of drugs called antidiarrheals.
This article describes the dosages of Imodium, as well as its strengths and how to take it. To learn more about Imodium, see this in-depth article.
Note: In some cases, Imodium may be used long term for chronic (ongoing) diarrhea. If you’re interested in taking Imodium for chronic diarrhea, talk with your doctor first. You should not take Imodium for longer than 2 days unless your doctor recommends it.
This section describes the usual dosages of Imodium. Keep reading to learn more.
What are Imodium’s forms?
Imodium A-D (antidiarrheal) is available in three oral forms:
- capsules (softgels)
- film-coated tablets (caplets)
- liquid solution
What strengths does Imodium come in?
Imodium A-D comes in the following strengths:
- capsule and tablet both come in one strength of 2 milligrams (mg)
- liquid solution comes in one strength of 1 mg per 7.5 milliliters (mL)
What are the usual dosages of Imodium?
The information below describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended for short-term diarrhea. But be sure to take the dosage your doctor or pharmacist recommends.
Dosage for diarrhea in adults
The typical Imodium dosage for adults with short-term acute diarrhea, including traveler’s diarrhea, depends on the form taken.
Capsules or tablets: You’ll take 4 mg (two capsules or tablets) after the first loose stool. Then, you’ll typically take 2 mg (one capsule or tablet) after each loose stool. You should not take more than 8 mg of Imodium A-D in a 24-hour period.
Liquid solution: You’ll take 30 mL (4 mg) of solution after the first loose stool. Then, you’ll take 15 mL (2 mg) after each loose stool. You should not take more than 60 mL (8 mg) in 24 hours.
You should stop using Imodium and call your doctor if:
- your diarrhea lasts for more than 2 days
- your symptoms worsen
- you have bulging or swelling of your abdomen
If you have questions about Imodium’s dosage, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Note: Imodium may be used for chronic (ongoing) diarrhea in some people. If you’re interested in taking Imodium for chronic diarrhea, talk with your doctor about the dosage that’s right for you. You should not take Imodium long term without first talking with your doctor.
What’s the dosage of Imodium for children?
Imodium is used to help treat acute diarrhea, including traveler’s diarrhea, in certain children. Imodium capsules are used in children ages 12 years and older. The Imodium tablets and liquid solution can be used in children ages 2 years and older. Imodium is not used in children younger than 2 years old.
The Imodium dosage for children depends on their age, body weight, and the form they take.
You should stop giving your child Imodium and call their doctor if:
- their diarrhea lasts for more than 2 days
- their symptoms worsen
- they have bulging or swelling of their abdomen
Talk with your child’s doctor or a pharmacist if you have questions about your child’s Imodium dosage.
Imodium A-D capsule dosage
The recommended children’s dosage of Imodium A-D oral tablets is as follows:
| Age | Dosage of Imodium A-D capsule |
|---|---|
| children ages 12 years and older | Give your child 2 capsules after the first loose stool, then 1 capsule after each following loose stool. They should not take more than 4 softgels in 24 hours. |
| children under 12 years old | Do not use Imodium A-D capsules. Talk with your child’s doctor or pharmacist about other treatment options. |
Imodium A-D tablet dosage
The recommended children’s dosages of Imodium A-D oral tablets are as follows. For reference, 1 kilogram (kg) equals about 2.2 pounds (lb).
| Age | Dosage of Imodium A-D tablets |
|---|---|
| children ages 12 years and older | Give your child 2 tablets after the first loose stool, then 1 tablet after each following loose stool. They should not take more than 4 caplets in 24 hours. |
| children ages 9 to 11 years (or 60 lb to 95 lb) | Give them 1 tablet after the first loose stool, then half of a tablet after each following loose stool. They should not take more than 3 caplets in 24 hours. |
| children ages 6 to 8 years (or 48 lb to 59 lb) | Give your child 1 tablet after the first loose stool, then half of a tablet after each following loose stool. They should not take more than 2 tablets in 24 hours. |
| children ages 2 to 5 years (or 37 lb to 47 lb) | Talk with your child’s doctor or pharmacist before using Imodium A-D tablets. |
| children under 2 years old (up to 33 lb) | Do not use Imodium A-D tablets. Talk with your child’s doctor or pharmacist about other treatment options. |
Imodium A-D liquid solution dosage
The recommended children’s dosages of Imodium A-D liquid solution are as follows. For reference, 1 kilogram (kg) equals about 2.2 pounds (lb).
| Age | Dosage of Imodium A-D liquid solution |
|---|---|
| children ages 12 years and older | Give your child 30 mL after the first loose stool, then 15 mL after each following loose stool. They should not take more than 60 mL in 24 hours. |
| children ages 9 to 11 years (or 60 lb to 95 lb) | Give them 15 mL after the first loose stool, then 7.5 mL after each following loose stool. They should not take more than 45 mL in 24 hours. |
| children ages 6 to 8 years (or 48 lb to 59 lb) | Give your child 15 mL after the first loose stool, then 7.5 mL after each following loose stool. They should not take more than 30 mL in 24 hours. |
| children ages 2 to 5 years (or 37 lb to 47 lb) | Talk with your child’s doctor or pharmacist before using Imodium A-D liquid solution. |
| children under 2 years old (up to 33 lb) | Do not use Imodium A-D liquid solution. Talk with your child’s doctor or pharmacist about other treatment options. |
How to take Imodium
Imodium is available in three oral forms. You’ll take the recommended dosage for the form you take.
You can take Imodium with or without food. You can cut Imodium A-D tablets along the score line if you have trouble swallowing the tablet whole. You should not crush or chew the tablets.
You should swallow Imodium A-D capsules whole. If you have trouble swallowing tablets or capsules, consider using the Imodium liquid solution.
To help prevent dehydration, drink plenty of clear liquids while you’re experiencing diarrhea.
Is Imodium used long term?
No, Imodium is typically used as a short-term treatment to manage acute diarrhea. But in some cases, Imodium may be used long term to treat chronic diarrhea. If you want to take Imodium for this use, talk with your doctor first.
You should not take Imodium for more than 2 days to treat short-term diarrhea. Talk with your doctor if your diarrhea doesn’t go away after 2 days.
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about Imodium’s dosage.
Is there a specific dosage of Imodium for older adults?
The manufacturer of Imodium doesn’t provide separate dosing guidelines for older adults (age 65 years or older). But it’s important to note that older adults may have certain health conditions that increase their risk of side effects from Imodium. In some cases, your doctor of pharmacist may recommend a lower dosage for you.
If you have questions about the dosage of Imodium that’s right for you, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can discuss your condition and other medications you may be taking and let you know if you need any dosage adjustments.
How long does it take Imodium to start working?
Imodium starts working soon after you take a dose. Typically, Imodium starts working to ease diarrhea within 1 hour of taking a dose.
If you have questions about Imodium’s effectiveness for diarrhea, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Do not take more Imodium than your doctor prescribes, as this can lead to harmful effects. Taking too much Imodium can cause heart rhythm problems or respiratory depression (slow or weak breathing). Severe cases of overdose can even be fatal.
What to do in case you take too much Imodium
Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve taken too much Imodium. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach America’s Poison Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 (or your local emergency number) or go to the nearest emergency room.
Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.