The FDA announced that using Imodium AD could cause a serious risk and potentially life-threatening heart problems. The governing agency warns that taking excess amounts of the over-the-counter anti-diarrhea medication can increase those risks.
About Imodium AD
Approved by the FDA in 1976, Imodium AD (loperamide) is a commonly used over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medicine that helps control symptoms of diarrhea. It’s sold under the OTC brand name Imodium AD. There are also generic store brands. This medication treats sudden diarrhea by slowing down the movement of the gut. This decreases the number of bowel movements and makes the stool less watery. Plus, it also reduces the amount of discharge in patients who have undergone an ileostomy. People with inflammatory bowel disease use the medication as well. It is important to note that Imodium AD only treats the symptoms and not the cause of diarrhea.
FDA Warns about Imodium AD
The FDA warns that taking more than the recommended dose of Imodium AD can cause serious heart problems. These heart problems including abnormal heart rhythms could lead to death. Also, taking Imodium in combination with other medications could interact with the medication. A number of poison control reports increased concerns about Imodium. Some combined Immodium and heartburn medication Prilosec and had adverse events. In fact, Upstate New York Poison Center called for the removal of both medications from over-the-counter sales.
Imodium AD Risks
There are many heart-related risks when using the OTC medication, Imodium AD. These include:
- Abnormal heart rhythms
- Serious cardiac events
- QT interval prolongation
- Heart electrical cycle disruption
- Torsades de Pointes
- Sudden cardiac death
- Syncope
- Cardiac arrest
- Ventricular arrhythmias
Since FDA approval, the government agency received 48 reports of serious heart problems associated with Imodium. However, this number is expected to be grossly under-reported. Of the 48 cases, only half came after 2010. However, 31 cases resulted in hospitalization, and 10 patients died. Patients should always follow dosing recommendations listed on the package and always tell a doctor about all the medications they are taking, including OTC medications.
Opioid Risks
Imodium is not an opioid, however, it could increase the effect of opioids when consumed at the same time. Therefore, many addicts are using Imodium A-D to get a heroin-like high. The FDA started getting reports of serious adverse events in 2010. The active ingredient, Loperamide Hydrochloride, has euphoric effects and information on how to facilitate such effects is easily available.
Now, people are abusing Immodium to induce a high. There are around 2.1 million people addicted to opioid painkillers.
It is sold under these brand names:
- Imodium
- Imodium A-D
- Imodium A-D EZ Chews
- Imodium Multi-Symptom Relief
Drug Interactions
Cardiac complications and cardiac arrest can be amplified when patients take loperamide or Imodium in combination with certain other medications:
• Tagamet HB (cimetidine)
• Zantac (ranitidine)
• Prevpac (lansoprazole)
• Biaxin (clarithromycin)
• Lopid (gemfibrozil)
• Omnel/Sporanox (itraconazole)
• Ketoconazole
• Nuedextra (quinidine)
• Qualaquin (quinine)
• Kaletra/Norvir/Technivie (ritonavir)
People overdosing on loperamide may suffer sudden, repeated losses of consciousness caused by a fall in blood pressure.
We Want to Help Imodium AD Victims
Undeniably, it is your right to be informed about the long-term risks associated with the medications you take, and it is the responsibility of drug companies to provide this information. If you or a loved one took Imodium AD and suffered a cardiac adverse event, you should demand accountability. We want to also help send a message that this is not acceptable. We are advocates for consumers who have been harmed by dangerous products, and we have the experience necessary to successfully litigate these cases.
Contact the Michael Brady Lynch Firm today for a free consultation to learn more about seeking justice. Compensation may be available for any medical expenses associated with this ordeal, as well as for your physical and emotional suffering. There is no obligation.
How We Can Help
When you experience side effects from a dangerous drug, it can have devastating effects on your entire life. A verdict or settlement may give you compensation for their injuries and damages. The types of recoverable losses are:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of an ability to work; and
- Pain and suffering
Also, if a person dies from complications from a drug, family members may be able to recover damages for the wrongful death of their loved one, including:
- Funeral expenses
- Medical expenses prior to death
- Loss of economic support; and
- Loss of companionship
If a jury finds the conduct of a drug company in manufacturing and selling a drug to be highly reckless, they may award punitive damages. These damages aim to punish the company and deter similar conduct in the future. Therefore, if you suffered a drug-induced cardiac injury from Imodium AD, please speak to us to learn more about your rights.
