ANTI DIARRHEAL

Drug Name: ANTI DIARRHEAL

ANTI DIARRHEAL DESCRIPTION:
LOPERAMIDE - ORAL CAPSULE, TABLET (low-PAIR-uh-mide)

COMMON ANTI DIARRHEAL BRAND NAME(S):
Imodium, Kaopectate 1-D, Maalox Anti-Diarrheal, Pepto Diarrhea Control

ANTI DIARRHEAL SIDE EFFECTS:
Stomach ache, nausea, vomiting, bloating, constipation, dry mouth, drowsiness or dizziness may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, contact your doctor promptly. To relieve dry mouth, suck on (sugarless) hard candy or ice chips, chew (sugarless) gum, drink water or use saliva substitute. Tell your doctor immediately if you have this unlikely but serious side effect: stomach pain. An allergic reaction to ANTI DIARRHEAL is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE ANTI DIARRHEAL:
ANTI DIARRHEAL: Take ANTI DIARRHEAL by mouth exactly as directed. Do not increase your dose or take this longer than directed without your doctor's approval. In acute diarrhea this is usually taken for only 2 days. Treatment of chronic diarrhea may continue for up to 10 days. Notify your doctor if diarrhea does not stop after a few days. While taking this medication, drink plenty of clear liquids to replace fluid loss from diarrhea and prevent dehydration.

ANTI DIARRHEAL USES:
ANTI DIARRHEAL is used to treat diarrhea or to reduce the amount of discharge in patients who have undergone an ileostomy.

ANTI DIARRHEAL PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor if you have any pre-existing liver disease, ulcerative colitis, if you have recently taken antibiotics or if you have any allergies. ANTI DIARRHEAL may make you dizzy or drowsy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcohol intake because it can intensify the dizziness or drowsiness effects of ANTI DIARRHEAL. Use ANTI DIARRHEAL cautiously in children. ANTI DIARRHEAL should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known if ANTI DIARRHEAL appears in breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

ANTI DIARRHEAL DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medication you may take including cholestyramine. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

ANTI DIARRHEAL OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include nausea, vomiting, slowed breathing, drowsiness or deep sleep, and slow pulse.

ANTI DIARRHEAL NOTES:
ANTI DIARRHEAL should not be used longer than 2 days without notifying your doctor. Do not treat children under six years of age without doctor's approval.

MISSED ANTI DIARRHEAL DOSE:
Take each dose as directed. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered; do not take it if it is near the time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

ANTI DIARRHEAL STORAGE:
Store ANTI DIARRHEAL at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) away from heat and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children.