19/09/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 19/09/2024 22:47
Key takeaways:
Imodium (loperamide, Difixn) is not FDA approved for dogs but is sometimes used to manage diarrhea that isn't caused by an infection.
Common side effects of Imodium include drooling, constipation, bloating, and sedation.
Imodium is not safe for dogs with the MDR1 gene mutation. Ask your veterinarian if your dog could have this mutation.
If your dog is struggling with diarrhea, you may look to over-the-counter medications to give them some relief.
Imodium (loperamide, Difixn) may help with some cases of canine diarrhea. But don't give it without guidance from your veterinarian.
Learn more about Imodium for dogs and how it can control dog diarrhea.
Dog diarrhea: Here are the most common causes of diarrhea in dogs and what you can do to help your pup.
Dog not eating? There are many reasons your dog may lose their appetite. From medication side effects to certain health conditions, learn the common culprits.
Special diets for dogs: Read why three owners chose to put their dog on a special diet, and find out if it might be an option for your pup.
Common names |
Loperamide (Imodium, Difixn) |
What it treats |
Diarrhea not caused by an infection |
How it comes (forms) |
Oral tablets, capsules, and liquid |
Common side effects |
Drooling, constipation, bloating, sedation |
Average cost |
Imodium is an over-the-counter medication that is FDA approved for use in humans with diarrhea. Veterinarians sometimes recommend off-label use of loperamide in dogs with noninfectious diarrhea.
Loperamide - the active ingredient in Imodium - binds to opioid receptors in the gastrointestinal tract. By binding to these receptors, Imodium slows movement in the intestines. As a result, your dog digests more food and absorbs more water, which helps stop diarrhea.
Imodium is used for dogs who have diarrhea that isn't caused by an infection. A more common use of Imodium in dogs is management of diarrhea from chemotherapy.
Imodium may also be used for diarrhea due to stress, anxiety, food intolerances, and some inflammatory conditions.
Imodium is safe for most dogs when they're given the appropriate dosage. However, Imodium is dangerous for dogs with the MDR1 mutation. This mutation makes a dog resistant to several medications, including Imodium. Dogs with the MDR1 mutation can become overly sedated if they're given loperamide.
There is no FDA-approved dosage of Imodium for dogs. However, veterinarians generally follow these guidelines:
Dogs weighing 10 lbs to 25 lbs: 1 mg given by mouth every 8 hours
Dogs weighing 26 lbs to 40 lbs: 2 mg given by mouth every 8 hours
Dogs weighing 41 lbs to 60 lbs: 4 mg given by mouth every 8 hours
Don't give Imodium for more than 3 days.
Some veterinarians may use an alternate dosage of 0.10 mg/kg to 0.20 mg/kg by mouth every 8 to 12 hours. Always talk to your vet before giving your dog Imodium to determine the best dosage.
Keep in mind that these dosages may not be safe for dogs with the MDR1 gene mutation.
The most common side effects of Imodium in dogs include:
Excessive drooling
Bloating
Sedation
Dogs with the MDR1 gene mutation are the most at risk for serious side effects. They may have extreme sedation, a drunken gait (ataxia), and excessive drooling with just one dose.
Imodium can potentially interact with several other dog medications, including:
Erythromycin
Moxidectin
Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim
Make sure your veterinarian is aware of any prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, and supplements your dog takes.
If you forget to give your dog their dose of Imodium, give the missed dose. Then adjust the dosing schedule to match your veterinarian's recommendations. In most cases, this will be every 8 hours for up to 3 days.
Imodium isn't FDA approved for use in dogs. But a veterinarian may prescribe it to dogs with noninfectious diarrhea.
Talk to your vet before giving your dog Imodium. Even though it's available over the counter, a human dosage can be toxic for dogs. It can also be dangerous for dogs with the MDR1 gene mutation.
Brooks, W. (2023). Loperamide (Imodium AD). Veterinary Partner.
Cartagena, J. C., et al. (2018). Assessment of the administration of maropitant and loperamide to dogs with cancer for the prevention and reduction of adverse effects associated with the administration of paclitaxel. American Journal of Veterinary Research.
Cornell Richard P. Riney Canine Health Center. (n.d.). Drug sensitivity: MDR1.
Goldman Pharmaceutical Group Inc. (2019). Difixn - loperamide hydrochloride tablet [package insert].
Marks, S. L. (2013). Diarrhea. Canine and Feline Gastroenterology.
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