Good Lifestyle

Over -the -counter drugs (OTC) are generally considered safe when taken at the recommended doses. But take the right amount a little too long, and you could meet a little unexpected side effects . In fact, experts from the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) warn that, when it is taken for more than two days, the anti-diarrheal drug loperamide (commonly known as iModium) can trigger serious heart problems.

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The iModium is linked to serious side effects when taken excess.

Often sold in the form of Imodium A-D or Diamode, loperamide is considered safe when used as indicated. But unless you are Read the small characters On the drug label, you may not realize that you should only take loperamide for very shortly before stopping the use of the product.

The FDA - which previously worked with manufacturers to "limit the number of doses in a package" - advise consumers : "If you use over -the -counter loperamide and your diarrhea lasts more than two days, stop taking the medication and contact your health professional."

According to the FDA, take more loperamide than prescribed or listed on the label "can cause serious problems of heart rate" or even death.

"We continue to receive reports of serious heart problems and deaths with much more than the recommended doses of Loperamide, mainly among people who intentionally abuse or abuse the product, despite the addition of a warning to the medical label and a previous communication," said their advice.

Others may experience less serious side effects, such as constipation, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, skin lesions, etc. The Health Authority notes that "the maximum daily dose approved for adults is 8 mg per day for over -the -counter use and 16 mg per day for prescription use."

Raj dasgutta , MD, a quadruple doctor certified doctor and chief medical advisor for Garage gymnasium opinion , previously told Best life that these potential side effects can be particularly worrying in people Over 60 years .

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You should not use loperamide to treat these gastrointestinal conditions.

The prolonged use of loperamide can cause a wide range of side effects, but there is another reason why you should not take it for more than two days. According to Mayo Clinic, your underlying condition can continue to be badly treated if the drug remains ineffective after this period.

In particular, the health authority stresses that Loperamide should not be used By people with dysentery, enterocolite caused by bacteria, pseudomembrane colitis, stomach pain without diarrhea or ulcerative colitis.

The Mayo clinic also warns that "certain medical conditions and infections - bacterial and parasites - can be aggravated by these drugs Because they prevent your body from getting rid of what causes diarrhea. ""

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Stop using the loperamide if you notice these side effects.

The drug label warns that you should interrupt the use of loperamide if you notice that your symptoms aggravate, or if you experience an abdominal swelling.

"It can be signs of a serious illness," wrote Johnson & Johnson, the drug distributor. They add that you should never take loperamide if you have had an allergic reaction in the past, or if you live "bloody or black stools". Those who have a history of liver disease, heart disease or current fever must consult their doctor before use.

Finally, the FDA warns that you should consult medical care or call 911 and tell them that you have taken loperamide if you feel fainting, rapid heart rate or an irregular heart rate or non-compliance.