Loperamide (Imodium) in Dogs

Summary

Loperamide is used in the treatment of diarrhea and inflammatory bowel disease in dogs. Can cause severe side effects in cats. Contact your veterinarian if the diarrhea is severe, accompanied by vomiting, the pet is also depressed, there is blood in the stool or the diarrhea worsens or persists for more than 48 hours. Also contact your veterinarian if your pet experiences constipation, depression, or slowed heart or breathing rates while being treated with loperamide.

CAUTION: Some Kaopectate includes bismuth salicylate as an ingredient. This should not be used in cats unless directed by your veterinarian. Dogs that may have an allergy to aspirin, or are taking aspirin, steroids, or another non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as Rimadyl, EtoGesic, or Deramaxx should not be given the formulation with bismuth salicylate unless directed by a veterinarian.

Generic Name
Loperamide

Brand Names
Imodium, Imodium AD, Pepto Diarrhea
Control, Kaopectate II Caplets

Type of Drug
Narcotic antidiarrheal (considered nonaddictive)

Form and Storage
Caplets, capsules, or liquid
Store at room temperature in tightly closed container.

Indications for Use
Treatment of diarrhea, inflammatory bowel disease

General Information
Not FDA approved for use in veterinary medicine. Not recommended for use in cats. Available over the counter. Opiate antidiarrheal products are useful in treating diarrhea in dogs. They decrease intestinal motility and reduce secretions caused by certain factors such as toxins. If the diarrhea persists for more then 48 hours or the pet does not continue to be active and alert, contact your veterinarian. Further treatment may be needed. Contact your veterinarian before using over the counter products as some may have ingredients which may harm your pet. The treatment of diarrhea includes fluid replacement and often withholding food. Contact your veterinarian for advice.

Usual Dose and Administration
Dogs: 0.05-0.1 mg/pound by mouth every 8 hours. Treatment should only be needed for 1-2 days. If diarrhea persists or worsens, contact your veterinarian.

Side Effects
May see constipation, bloat, or sedation. Rarely see paralytic ileus (intestines lose ability to move ingesta along), pancreatitis, or central nervous system (CNS) effects.

Contraindications/Warnings
Do not use in patients hypersensitive (allergic) to opiates/narcotics.

Use with caution in patients with hypothyroidism, kidney disease, hypoadrenocorticism (Addison's disease), respiratory disease, glaucoma, gastrointestinal obstruction, urinary obstruction or liver disease.

Use with care in older or debilitated patients.

Do not use in patients with diarrhea secondary to toxin ingestion until the toxin is cleared from the intestines.

Do not use in patients with head traumas or abdominal pain as it may mask other serious symptoms and disorders.

Not for use in pregnant or nursing animals.

Use only under veterinarian's supervision in cats since it can cause agitation and excitement.

Not used in certain cases of infectious diarrhea such as those caused by Salmonella.

Drug or Food Interactions
Do not use with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).

Do not use with other CNS depressants such as antihistamines, tranquilizers, or antiseizure medications.

No known food interactions.

Overdose/Toxicity
May see constipation, CNS depression, or slowed heart or respiratory rates.