Imodium is an over-the-counter medication primarily used to treat diarrhea, including short-term diarrhea, chronic diarrhea from conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and traveler’s diarrhea[1][2][3][5].
The active ingredient in Imodium is loperamide, which works by slowing down the movement of the gut. This allows the intestines more time to absorb fluids and electrolytes, resulting in less watery and less frequent stools[1][2][3][6]. Imodium can also reduce the volume of stool for people who have had ileostomy surgery (a surgical opening for the bowel through the abdomen)[1][3][5].
Imodium is available in tablets, capsules, and dissolvable forms. It may also be combined with simeticone to help manage additional symptoms such as gas and bloating[1][5]. While generally safe for over-the-counter use, children under 6 years should only take Imodium under a doctor’s supervision[5].