Can Ckd Patients Take Imodium To Stop Diarrhea
Imodium is generally recognized as safe for patients with chronic kidney disease and diarrhea. As with all over the counter medications, it is important for you to discuss over-the-counter medications with your primary care physician in order to make sure that these medications do not interfere with other medications you are taking or complicate other diseases you may have.
Children Younger Than 12 Years
Dosage should be based on weight. If the childs weight is not known, dosage should be based on age. When using either weight or age, use the following information:
- Children 60-95 pounds : 2 mg to start, then 1 mg after each loose stool that occurs after that. Dont take more than 6 mg per day.
- Children 48-59 pounds : 2 mg to start, then 1 mg after each loose stool that occurs after that. Dont take more than 4 mg per day.
- Children 29-47 pounds : Use Imodium only by the advice of your childs doctor.
- Children under 2 years: Do not give Imodium to children younger than 2 years of age.
Imodium is generally well-tolerated by many people. However, it can sometimes cause some side effects.
What Clinical Trials Are Open
Clinical trials that are currently open and are recruiting can be viewed at www.ClinicalTrials.gov.
This content is provided as a service of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, part of the National Institutes of Health. The NIDDK translates and disseminates research findings to increase knowledge and understanding about health and disease among patients, health professionals, and the public. Content produced by the NIDDK is carefully reviewed by NIDDK scientists and other experts.
The NIDDK would like to thank Jeffrey Fink, MD, MS, Chief, Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine
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Can Down Syndrome Be Detected By Scan
Ultrasound scans arent a full-proof way of testing for Down syndrome in babies. They can detect some indications of potential markers that are commonly seen in Down Syndrome babies but cant give a definitive answer. A Detailed Anomaly Scan done at 20 weeks can only detect 50% of Down Syndrome cases.
Differences Between Flu And Covid
The flu and COVID-19 are both infectious respiratory illnesses. Influenza viruses cause flu and a new coronavirus causes COVID-19. While symptoms may be similar two different viruses cause the flu and COVID-19.
You can have the flu and COVID-19 at the same time. Experts are still studying how common this can be.
Flu and COVID-19 can both result in illness, resulting in hospitalization or death. Experts see COVID-19 as more deadly than seasonal flu.
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Carcinogenesis Mutagenesis Impairment Of Fertility
In an 18-month rat study with oral doses up to 40 mg/kg/day , there was no evidence of carcinogenesis.
Loperamide was not genotoxic in the Ames test, the SOS chromotest in E. coli, the dominant lethal test in female mice, or the mouse embryo cell transformation assay.
Fertility and reproductive performance was evaluated in rats using oral doses of 2.5, 10, and 40 mg/kg/day in a second study. Oral administration of 20 mg/kg/day and higher produced strong impairment of female fertility. Treatment of female rats with up to 10 mg/kg/day by mouth had no effect on fertility. Treatment of male rats with 40 mg/kg/day by mouth produced impairment of male fertility, whereas administration of up to 10 mg/kg/day had no effect.
Imodium For Dogs: Is It A Good Idea
When faced with a case of upset tummy in your dog, its natural to wonder if you really need to make a trip to the veterinary office or if you can treat your dog at home with something like Imodium. Lets take a look at when it is okay to give your dog Imodium, and more importantly, when it is not.
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What Is Trendelenburg Syndrome
Trendelenburg gait is an abnormal gait resulting from a defective hip abductor mechanism. The primary musculature involved is the gluteal musculature, including the gluteus medius and gluteus minimus muscles. The weakness of these muscles causes drooping of the pelvis to the contralateral side while walking.
Over The Counter Medications And Chronic Kidney Disease
Pain Medications
Acetaminophen is safe to use. If you have liver problems you should check with your pharmacist or physician first. Do not take more than 12 regular strength tablets or 8 extra strength tablets per day. Acetaminophen will relieve pain and fever but NOT inflammation.
Medications such as ibuprofen , naproxen , or acetylsalicylic acid are unsafe for your kidneys. They can also increase blood pressure, increase risk of heart attack and stroke and cause stomach ulcers and bleeding. These agents should be avoided with the exception of low-dose daily Aspirin 81 mg, which is safe for regular use if prescribed by your doctor.
Heartburn
Most over the counter medications for heartburn are safe to use occasionally. If your heartburn occurs daily, speak with your family physician. Magnesium-containing products should be avoided as they accumulate in patients with kidney disease.
| For occasional use |
Constipation
Constipation is a common problem for people with chronic kidney disease as both iron tablets and calcium tablets can cause this side effect. You may be on other medications, such as pain medications, which can cause constipation.
If you are taking a medicine on a daily basis which can cause constipation you should also take a medication to prevent constipation. Ask your doctor or pharmacist which medication is best for you. You do not need to take this with lots of additional fluid which is often recommended.
Diarrhea
Cough & Cold Medicine
Diabetes
Herbal Products
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The Need To Monitor Kidney Function With Certain Drugs
Experts have suggested that after the initial assessment of kidney function, physicians should consider regular monitoring after starting or increasing the dosage of drugs associated with nephrotoxicity, especially those used chronically in patients with multiple risk factors for impaired kidney function, Dr. Naughton noted. If there is any sign of kidney harm, the provider should review the medications you are taking in order to identify which one is causing the problem.
If multiple medications are present and the patient is clinically stable, physicians should start by discontinuing the drug most recently added to the patients medication regimen. Once that has been taken care of, further harm to the kidneys may be minimized by keeping blood pressure stable, staying hydrated, and temporarily avoiding the use of other medications that may cause nephrotoxicity.
These safety tips can ensure you get the care you need while keeping your kidneys safe. That way, they can tend to essential functions like keeping things flowing .Originally published May 11, 2017
What To Know This Flu Season
- Flu vaccines cause antibodies to develop in the body about two weeks after vaccination. These antibodies protect against infection with the viruses used to make the vaccine.
- Flu vaccines cannot cause flu illness. Two types of flu vaccines are widely available:
- Inactive flu viruses that are not infectious.
- Single flu virus genes that produce an immune response without causing infection.
- Get flu vaccines every year for optimal protection. Immune protection from vaccination declines over time and flu viruses always change.
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Plan Ahead To Manage Pain Flu Or Other Illness
Almost everyone gets sick once in a while. Your doctor or pharmacist can help you plan ahead to keep your kidneys safe until you get well. Prepare in advance so you know what to do if you have pain or a fever, diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting, which can lead to dehydration.
Before you get sick, ask your health care provider or pharmacist the following questions
- If I get sick, are there medicines I should not take while Im sick?
- If I need to stop medicines when Im sick, when can I restart them?
- What can I take or do to relieve a headache or other pain?
- What can I take to relieve a fever?
- If I have diarrhea or am vomiting, do I need to change how or when I take my blood pressure medicine?
Are There Any Risk Factors For This Medication
Do not use loperamide in pets that are allergic to it. Do not use in pets with diarrhea due to an infection or a toxin. Use loperamide cautiously in pets with low thyroid levels, head injuries, liver disease, kidney disease, respiratory disease, Addisons disease, that are very old, or are debilitated. Loperamide should also be used cautiously in pregnant or nursing pets. Use in cats is controversial and loperamide should be used with extreme caution, if at all.
Do not use in dogs that are positive for the MDR1 gene. Some breeds of dogs are more sensitive to loperamide than others. This is typically due to a specific genetic mutation that makes them less able to tolerate high doses of loperamide. Your veterinarian will advise you on the safety of loperamide use in your dog.
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Dialysis And Over The Counter Medications
Allergy Medications
It is safe to take most over the counter allergy medications in the normal doses as they are eliminated from your body through the liver. If you have liver problems check with your pharmacist or physician first before using.
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Recommended Allergy Medications May cause drowsiness |
Do not cause drowsiness |
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Diphenhydramine |
Constipation
Constipation is a common problem for people receiving dialysis as both iron tablets and calcium tablets can cause this side effect. In addition, you may be on other medications, which can cause constipation .
If you are taking a medicine on a daily basis which can cause constipation you should also take a stool softener once or twice daily to prevent constipation. You do not need to take this with lots of additional fluid which is often recommended. If you are already constipated you can take a stimulant laxative. After the constipation is relieved go back to taking your stool softener daily. Do not use the stimulant laxative on a daily basis as your bowels will become used to the laxative and will not move on their own.
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Bisacodyl , Senna glycosides , Lactulose syrup |
Milk of Magnesia®, Magnesium citrate solution, Fleet Phospho-Soda® |
Cough & Cold Medicine
It is safe to take most cough and cold medications, except if you have diabetes or high blood pressure.
Herbal Products
Herbal products may interact with the other medications you are taking. You should check with the dialysis pharmacist or physician before using.
Sleep
If You Have Taken Too Much :
Immediately telephone your doctor or the Poisons Information Centre for advice, or go to Accident and Emergency at your nearest hospital.
Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. You may need urgent medical attention.
Poisons Information Centre telephone numbers:
- Australia: 13 11 26
- New Zealand: 0800 POISON or 0800 764 766
Keep these telephone numbers handy in case of an emergency.
If you take too much IMODIUM you may have any of the following symptoms: sleepiness, nausea and vomiting, constipation, difficulty passing urine, weak breathing, muscle stiffness and uncoordinated movements.
Children are more sensitive than adults to medicines such as IMODIUM. An accidental overdose is especially dangerous. Make sure IMODIUM is kept out of reach of children.
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Kidney Impairment Can Be Costly
Although renal impairment is often reversible if the offending drug is discontinued, the condition can be costly and may require multiple interventions, including hospitalization, Dr. Naughton explained. To help you avoid getting to that point, we learned about medications that commonly cause kidney damage from Rebekah Krupski, PharmD, RPh, pharmacy resident at the Cleveland Clinic and clinical instructor of pharmacy practice at Northeast Ohio Medical University.
When You Must Not Take It:
Do not take IMODIUM if:
- you have an allergy to IMODIUM or any of the ingredients listed at the end of this leaflet .
- you are constipated, or have to avoid becoming constipated
- you have severe diarrhoea with blood in the stools or fever
- you have inflammation of the lower bowels
- you are breast-feeding
- the packaging is torn or shows signs of tampering
Do not use IMODIUM after the expiry date printed on the pack. If you take IMODIUM after the expiry date it may not work.
Do not give IMODIUM to children under the age of 12 years.
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How Much To Take:
Adults:
Sudden diarrhoea
The usual adult dose is two IMODIUM capsules or caplets or Melts initially, followed by one capsule or caplet or Melt after each loose unformed stool as needed.
Do not take more than eight capsules or caplets in one day.
Your doctor may prescribe a different dose for you.
IMODIUM will usually stop the symptoms of diarrhoea within 48 hours. If it does not, stop taking the medicine and see your doctor.
Chronic diarrhoea and intestinal resection
The usual adult dose is two IMODIUM capsules or caplets or Melts initially, followed by one capsule or caplet after each loose unformed stool until the diarrhoea is under control. Your doctor will then adjust the dose of IMODIUM to suit you.
Children:IMODIUM should not be given to children under 12 years of age.
Be Careful About Using Over
If you take OTC or prescription medicines for headaches, pain, fever, or colds, you may be taking a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug . NSAIDs include popular pain relievers and cold medicines that can damage your kidneys if you take them for a long time, or lead to acute kidney injury if you take them when you are dehydrated or your blood pressure is low.
Ibuprofen and naproxen are NSAIDs. NSAIDs are sold under many different brand names, so ask your pharmacist or health care provider if the medicines you take are safe to use.
You also can look for NSAIDs on Drug Facts labels like the one below.
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How Should I Take Imodium A
Use Imodium A-D exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.
Imodium A-D is safe when used as directed. TAKING TOO MUCH LOPERAMIDE CAN CAUSE SERIOUS HEART PROBLEMS OR DEATH.
Carefully follow all dosing directions on the medicine label. A safe dose of loperamide is different for an adult than for a child. This medicine doses in children are based on the child’s age.
Take Imodium A-D with a full glass of water. Diarrhea can cause your body to lose fluids and electrolytes. Drink plenty of liquids to keep from getting dehydrated.
The chewable tablet must be chewed before swallowing. Take the chewable tablet on an empty stomach
Shake the oral suspension before you measure a dose. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device .
Not all liquid forms of this medicine are the same strengths. Carefully follow all dosing instructions for the medicine you are using.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not allow the liquid medicine to freeze.
Stop taking Imodium A-D and call your doctor if you still have diarrhea after 2 days of treatment, or if you also have stomach bloating.
What If I Don’t Get A Flu Shot
“It is especially important that people with chronic kidney disease at any stage and those who are treated with dialysis or kidney transplant understand that they are at increased risk of severe illness from both COVID-19 and the flu,” said Dr. Joseph Vassalotti, Chief Medical Officer at NKF.
Kidney disease causes a decreased immune response, increasing vulnerability to infections. Patients face a greater risk of getting certain diseases and developing severe complications. Patients with kidney disease have a higher risk of death from the flu than those without kidney disease.
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When To Get The Flu Shot
Get a flu vaccine before flu viruses begin spreading in your community. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body and provide protection against flu.
CDC recommends that people get a flu vaccine by the end of October. Getting vaccinated later can still be beneficial. Vaccination should continue throughout the flu season, even beyond January. CDC recommends that all people 6 months and older get a yearly flu vaccine.
Permanent And Fatal Arrhythmias Tied To Misuse Of Loperamide
This article is a collaboration between MedPage Today and:
Higher than recommended doses of diarrhea drug loperamide can cause serious and even fatal cardiac arrhythmias, the FDA warned.
Although some of the 48 cases of QT interval prolongation, torsades de pointes, cardiac arrest, syncope, and other serious cardiac events reported to the agency have been unintentional misuse of more than the maximum daily dose for adults , most have been intentional abuse.
“The majority of reported serious heart problems occurred in individuals who were intentionally misusing and abusing high doses of loperamide in attempts to self-treat opioid withdrawal symptoms or to achieve a feeling of euphoria,” the agency noted in a Drug Safety Communication.
Loperamide is a mu-opioid agonist that acts primarily in the gut but, in high doses, has psychoactive effects. It has recently been recognized as a drug of abuse and is recommended in internet chat forums for treating symptoms of opioid withdrawal.
Taking loperamide with drugs that interact with it, including ranitidine , increases the risk. These combinations, too, are often intentional in “attempts to increase its absorption and penetration across the blood-brain barrier, inhibit loperamide metabolism, and enhance its euphoric effects.”
Antiarrhythmic drugs have been ineffective in many reported cases of loperamide-associated torsades de pointes, the agency added, so electrical pacing or cardioversion should be considered.
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