Patient Medication Information: uses, side effects, how to take - Diarrhea Relief Fast Dissolve
ABOUT THIS MEDICATION
What the medication is used for:
Diarrhea Relief Fast Dissolve is used for the rapid relief of diarrhea symptoms.
What it does:
Diarrhea Relief Fast Dissolve makes the stools more solid and less frequent.
When it should not be used:
You should not use Diarrhea Relief Fast Dissolve if you have any of the following conditions:
- if there is blood in the stools or you have a fever;
- if you are constipated or your abdomen is swollen or have abdominal pain;
- if you have a bacterial infection in your digestive system, or suspect food-poisoning due to bacterial contamination;
- if you have an inflammation of the lower bowel;
- if you are taking prescription drugs that may cause constipation such as anti-psychotic and anti-depressant medications;
- if you are taking antibiotics or have ulcerative colitis;
- if you know you are sensitive to one of the ingredients or to any other component of this formulation (see What the important nonmedicinal ingredients are);
- if in doubt, ask your pharmacist or doctor for advice.
What the medicinal ingredient is:
Loperamide hydrochloride
What the important nonmedicinal ingredients are:
Aspartame, peppermint flavour, mannitol polysorbate, pullulan and sodium bicarbonate.
What dosage forms it comes in:
Tablet (Orally Disintegrating) 2mg
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
KEEP THIS AND ALL DRUGS OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN
BEFORE you use Diarrhea Relief Fast Dissolve talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you:
- have mucus in the stool;
are pregnant or nursing a baby (Diarrhea Relief Fast Dissolve is not recommended for nursing mothers because small amounts of loperamide can end up in your milk);
- have meningitis or liver disease, as you may need medical supervision while taking Diarrhea Relief Fast Dissolve;
- have a history of abnormal heart rhythm (e.g., Brugada syndrome).
Dosage warning:
Taking more than directed can cause serious heart problems or death
STOP USE and see your doctor or pharmacist if:
- Diarrhea gets worse, lasts longer than 48 hours or you get any unusual symptoms;
- You are infected with HIV and you have any signs of abdominal swelling or bulging.
Although Diarrhea Relief Fast Dissolve stops diarrhea, it will not treat the cause of it. Whenever possible, the cause of diarrhea should also be treated.
Tiredness, dizziness, or drowsiness may occur in the setting of diarrheal symptoms treated with loperamide. Therefore, it is advisable to use caution when driving a car or operating machinery.
Each tablet contains aspartame 1.15 mg of Aspartame, which is equivalent to 0.65 mg phenylalanine.
INTERACTIONS WITH THIS MEDICATION
Always tell your doctor or pharmacist
- if you are using other drugs including herbal medicines because some drugs should not be taken together
- if you are taking drugs that slow down the action of the stomach and intestines (for example, some antidepressants and cold and allergy medication), because these can make the effect of Diarrhea Relief Fast Dissolve too strong.
- if you are taking sedating medications.
In particular, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any of the following:
- ritonavir (used to treat HIV)
- quinidine (used to treat abnormal heart rhythms)
- oral desmopressin (used to treat excessive urination)
- itraconazole or ketoconazole (used to treat fungal infections)
- gemfibrozil (used to lower cholesterol)
PROPER USE OF THIS MEDICATION
Diarrhea Relief Fast Dissolve should be taken by the mouth. You can take it at any time of day. The tablet is a fast-dissolving tablet which can be taken without fluid. The tablet disintegrates within seconds on the surface of the tongue and is then swallowed with the saliva. The tablets should not be pushed through the blister, as this would damage them. To take the tablets out of the blister, pull up the edge of the foil, tear the foil completely off, press out and then remove the tablet.
When you have diarrhea,
- you will lose a lot of fluids. Therefore, drink plenty of clear fluids, water, unsweetened juices or clear soups.
do not drink alcohol or milk and avoid fruit, green vegetables and spicy or fatty foods. These items tend to aggravate diarrhea.
Usual dose:
Adults (12 years and older): Take 2 tablets initially and 1 tablet every time you have a loose bowel movement, to a maximum of
8 tablets per day.
Stop use if you have a solid or hard stool or if you go for 24 hours without a bowel movement.
Overdose:
| In case of drug overdose, contact a health care practitioner, hospital emergency department or regional Poison Control Centre immediately, even if there are no symptoms. |
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SIDE EFFECTS AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT THEM
Diarrhea Relief Fast Dissolve is usually well tolerated and few undesired effects are likely when it is taken as directed.
Constipation may occur. If so, stop Diarrhea Relief Fast Dissolve and if these effects are severe, consult your doctor.
Over sensitivity to Diarrhea Relief Fast Dissolve is rare. It can be recognized, for instance, by skin rash or itching. If any of these signs occur, see your doctor.
The following complaints sometimes occur, but they may be due to the diarrhea itself: nausea and vomiting, tiredness, dizziness or drowsiness, dry mouth and flatulence.
| SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS, HOW OFTEN THEY HAPPEN AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT THEM | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Symptom / effect | Talk with your doctor or pharmacist | Stop taking drug and call your doctor or pharmacist | |||
| Only if severe | In all cases | ||||
| Uncommon | Abdominal pain | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Difficulty urinating | ✓ | ✓ | |||
| Bloating | ✓ | ✓ | |||
| Shortness of breath | ✓ | ✓ | |||
| Swollen face | ✓ | ✓ | |||
| Abnormal coordination | ✓ | ✓ | |||
| Muscular tension | ✓ | ✓ | |||
| Pupil constriction | ✓ | ✓ | |||
| Abdominal pain upper | ✓ | ✓ | |||
This is not a complete list of side effects. For any unexpected effects while taking Diarrhea Relief Fast Dissolve, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
HOW TO STORE IT
Store Diarrhea Relief Fast Dissolve tablets at room temperature (15-30°C) and protect from moisture and light. Keep out of reach of children.
Reporting Side Effects
You can report any suspected side effects associated with the use of health products to Health Canada by:
NOTE: Contact your health professional if you need information about how to manage your side effects. The Canada Vigilance Program does not provide medical advice. |
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MORE INFORMATION
This document plus the full product monograph, prepared for health professionals can be obtained by contacting the sponsor, Juno OTC Inc. Toronto, ON M5V 3B1 at: 1-833-449-2494.
Date of Revision: 19 April 2024
