Imodium is an over-the-counter (OTC) medication that contains the active drug loperamide. Imodium belongs to a class of drugs called antimotility agents. Imodium is available in a generic form.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved this medication to treat diarrhea, including Traveler’s diarrhea.
Imodium multi-symptom relief contains the active drugs loperamide and simethicone. Simethicone is an anti-flatulent drug. It is approved to relieve symptoms of diarrhea, bloating, cramps, and gas.
In this article, you’ll find additional information about Imodium’s dosages and details on how to take the drug. For a comprehensive overview of Imodium, view this article.
Finding a healthcare professional
If you’re interested in taking Imodium, search here to find a doctor who might prescribe it.
This article describes typical recommended dosages for Imodium. These dosages are provided by the drug’s manufacturer.
Because Imodium is an OTC medication, you don’t need a prescription to take it. However, sometimes, it may not be appropriate to self-treat with Imodium. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist to see whether Imodium is safe for you to use.
Commonly recommended dosages for Imodium are shown below.
You should take the dosage that’s recommended on the package labeling. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure what dosage to take.
For information about the drug’s dosage in children, see the “Imodium: Pediatric dosage” section below.
Imodium’s forms and strengths
Imodium is available in the following forms and strengths:
- Imodium A-D softgels: liquid-filled capsules that contain 2 milligrams (mg) of loperamide
- Imodium A-D oral solution: liquid solution that contains 1 mg of loperamide in 7.5 milliliters (mL) of solution
- Imodium A-D caplets: oral tablets that are shaped like capsules and contain 2 mg of loperamide
- Imodium Multi-Symptom Relief caplets: oral tablets that are shaped like capsules and contain 2 mg of loperamide and 125 mg of simethicone
Typical recommended dosages
You should take the dosage recommended on the drug package. If you are unsure what dosage to take, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
The recommended dosage depends on the form of Imodium you take. The table below presents the recommended Imodium dosages in adults.
| Dosage form | Starting dosage | Additional dosage | Maximum dosage |
| • Imodium A-D softgels • Imodium A-D caplets • Imodium Multi-Symptom Relief caplets |
2 softgels/caplets after the first loose stool | 1 softgel/caplet after each additional loose stool | 4 softgels/caplets in 24 hours |
| • Imodium A-D oral solution | 30 mL after the first loose stool | 15 mL after each additional loose stool | 60 mL in 24 hours |
Length of treatment
Imodium is typically used as a short-term treatment. If your diarrhea doesn’t improve in 48 hours, talk with your doctor. If you need to use Imodium for chronic (long-term) diarrhea, talk with your doctor.
Commonly recommended dosages for Imodium are shown below.
You should give your child the dosage that’s recommended on the package labeling. Ask their doctor or a pharmacist if you are not sure what dosage to give your child.
For information about the drug’s dosage in adults, see the “Imodium: Adult dosage” section above.
Imodium’s forms and strengths
Imodium is available in the following forms and strengths:
- Imodium A-D softgels: liquid-filled capsules that contain 2 milligrams (mg) of loperamide
- Imodium A-D oral solution: liquid solution that contains 1 mg of loperamide in 7.5 milliliters (mL) of solution
- Imodium A-D caplets: oral tablets that are shaped like capsules and contain 2 mg of loperamide
- Imodium Multi-Symptom Relief caplets: oral tablets that are shaped like capsules and contain 2 mg of loperamide and 125 mg of simethicone
Typical recommended dosages
The recommended dosage for children should be based on weight first. If you do not know your child’s current weight, you can use the recommended dosage based on their age. Below are the recommended dosages of Imodium for children.
Imodium A-D softgels
The recommended dosage of Imodium A-D softgels for children ages 12 years and older is the same as for adults. Imodium A-D softgels are not for use in children under the age of 12 years old. The recommended dosage of Imodium A-D softgels is as follows.
- Starting dosage: 2 softgels after the first loose stool
- Additional dosage: 1 softgel after each additional loose stool
- Maximum dosage: 4 softgels in 24 hours
Imodium A-D caplets and Imodium Multi-Symptom Relief caplets
The recommended dosages of Imodium A-D caplets and Imodium Multi-Symptom Relief caplets in children are described in the table below.
| Weight | Age | Starting dosage | Additional dosage | Maximum dosage |
| — | 12 years and older | 2 caplets after the first loose stool | 1 caplet after each additional loose stool | 4 caplets in 24 hours |
| 60 pounds (lb) to 95 lb | 9 to 11 years | 1 caplet after the first loose stool | 1/2 a caplet after each additional loose stool | 3 caplets in 24 hours |
| 48 lb to 59 lb | 6 to 8 years | 1 caplet after the first loose stool | 1/2 a caplet after each additional loose stool | 2 caplets in 24 hours |
| 34 lb to 47 lb | 2 to 5 years | ask child’s doctor | ask child’s doctor | ask child’s doctor |
| — | less than 2 years old | not recommended | not recommended | not recommended |
Imodium A-D oral solution
The recommended dosage of Imodium A-D oral solution in children is described in the table below.
| Weight | Age | Starting dosage | Additional dosage | Maximum dosage |
| — | 12 years and older | 30 mL after the first loose stool | 15 mL after each additional loose stool | 60 mL in 24 hours |
| 60 lb to 95 lb | 9 to 11 years | 15 mL after the first loose stool | 7.5 mL after each additional loose stool | 45 mL in 24 hours |
| 48 lb to 59 lb | 6 to 8 years | 15 mL after the first loose stool | 7.5 mL after each additional loose stool | 30 mL in 24 hours |
| 34 lb to 47 lb | 2 to 5 years | ask child’s doctor | ask child’s doctor | ask child’s doctor |
| — | less than 2 years old | not recommended | not recommended | not recommended |
Length of treatment
Imodium is typically used as a short-term treatment. If your child’s diarrhea doesn’t improve in 48 hours, talk with their doctor. If your child needs to use Imodium for chronic or long-term diarrhea, talk with their doctor.
Below are some common questions related to Imodium’s dosage.
Is Imodium A-D liquid solution dosage calculated by weight?
Yes, you can calculate Imodium A-D liquid solution dosage by weight in children. If the child is under 12 years old, the manufacturer recommends basing the dosage on the child’s weight. You can use their age if you do not know the child’s weight.
For adults and children ages 12 years and older, the dosage for Imodium A-D liquid solution is not based on weight. For details, see the “Imodium: Adult dosage” and “Imodium: Pediatric dosage” sections above.
What is the Imodium dosage for cats?
Imodium is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in humans.
Talk with your pet’s veterinarian to see whether there is an Imodium dosage for cats or other animals.
The manufacturer considered several factors when recommending the dosage for Imodium. If you are unsure of what dosage to take based on the package labeling, talk with your doctor or a pharmacist.
These factors include:
- your age
- your weight
- the form of Imodium you’re taking
Imodium comes as a softgel, caplet, and liquid solution. All dosage forms should be taken by mouth. It is also important to drink plenty of clear fluids to help prevent dehydration that can happen with diarrhea.
Imodium A-D Multi-Symptom Relief caplets should only be taken on an empty stomach with 8 ounces of water. You can take them either 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals.
For Imodium A-D oral solution, make sure to shake it well before measuring your dose. Only use the provided cup for measuring the right dose.
You can cut the Imodium A-D caplets and Imodium A-D Multi-Symptom Relief caplets in half for young children. Be sure to use a pill cutter available at the pharmacy when cutting the caplets.
If you have difficulty swallowing softgels or caplets, view this article. It provides suggestions on how to take this form of medication. Also, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about taking your medication.
If you take more than the recommended dosage of Imodium, serious effects can occur. Do not take more Imodium than what’s recommended on the package label.
Symptoms of overdose
Symptoms that an overdose of Imodium could cause include:
- heart problems, such as irregular heart rate conditions and sudden loss of heart function
In rare cases, overdose may result in death.
What to do in case of overdose
Call your doctor if you think you’ve taken too much of this drug. Also, you can call the American Association of Poison Control Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. However, if your symptoms are severe, call 911 or a local emergency number. Or go to the nearest emergency room right away.
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist for additional information about Imodium’s dosage. Keep in mind that the dosages presented in this article are typical dosages provided by the drug’s manufacturer.
Talk with your doctor before taking Imodium if you take any prescription medications.
In addition to discussing Imodium with your doctor, you may find the following articles helpful in learning more.
- Overview of Imodium. For comprehensive details on Imodium, see this article.
- Drug comparisons. To learn how Imodium compares with Lomotil, read this article.
- Information on side effects. If you’d like to know about possible side effects of Imodium, view this article.
- Details about diarrhea. To learn more about diarrhea, which Imodium is used to treat, see this article.
Disclaimer: Healthgrades 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.