Pet Medication 101: Imodium

1. Drug Name:

loperamide

2. Brand Names:

Imodium, Anti-Diarrheal, Diamode, Imotil

3. How Dispensed:

Can be prescription or over the counter

4. Forms:

2mg capsules, 2mg tablets, oral liquid (1mg/5mL or 1mg/7.5mL)

5. Drug Type/Class:

Narcotic anti-diarrheal

6. Uses for Cats and Dogs:

Diarrhea, malabsorption, and maldigestion

7. How it Works:

Loperamide works by decreasing the rate at which the intestinal muscles contract. This slows down the passage of food through the digestive tract, allowing for increased absorption of water and nutrients.

8. Side Effects and/or Signs of Overdose:

Constipation, gas, sedation, and lethargy. Overdose of Imodium may cause fast or irregular heartbeats or fainting

9. Drug Interactions:

• Amitraz

• Diazepam

• Erythromycin

• Furazolidone

• Gemfibrozil

• Ketoconazole

• Itraconazole

• Naloxone

• Selegiline

• Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole

10. Cautionary Statements:

• Loperamide should not be used to treat diarrhea that is caused by bacteria or a toxin.

• Treatment should not last longer than 2 days. If your pet has diarrhea for more than 48 hours, contact your vet

• Collies, sheepdogs, and their mixes are more sensitive to loperamide and may become very sedated.

• Use in cats is controversial because it affects the central nervous system and may cause increased excitement.

• Use with caution in pets with hypothyroidism, liver disease, kidney disease, Addison’s, and respiratory disease.

• Use caution when administering this drug to pregnant or nursing pets.

• Use caution when administering this drug to older or debilitated pets.

Read more:

Diarrhea in Cats 101

Everything You Need to Know About Diarrhea in Dogs

Gastrointestinal Diets for Dogs and Cats

Have more questions about Imodium or other medications for your pet?

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