Mixing Imodium and alcohol may have damaging health consequences, including increased drowsiness, dizziness, heart damage and a risk of polysubstance abuse.
It’s never a good idea to mix the over-the-counter anti-diarrhea drug Imodium (loperamide) with other substances. This is especially true if you are taking higher-than-recommended doses of Imodium, which even on their own can betoxic. Although there areno known health effectsfrom combining Imodium and alcohol, side effects common to both agents may be intensified.
Article at a Glance:
- Although there is no known interaction between Imodium and alcohol, combining the two may nonetheless lead to health consequences.
- Imodium and alcohol share side effects like drowsiness and dizziness that may be worsened when the two are combined.
- Heart damage can occur when Imodium and alcohol are consumed in excessive amounts.
- Mixing Imodium and alcohol may increase your risk ofpolysubstance abuse.
Mixing Imodium (Loperamide) and Alcohol
Even though there areno known drug interactionsbetween Imodium and alcohol, mixing the two substances is best avoided. Imodium and alcohol can exacerbate some of the same issues in the body, potentially leading to health concerns like:
- Worsened side effects:Drowsiness and dizziness are possible side effects of bothImodiumandalcohol. It is possible that taking both substances together may intensify these symptoms.
- Dehydration:Many people take Imodium to treat diarrhea, a condition which can be very dehydrating as you lose water in your stool. Alcohol is alsodehydrating, so combining it with Imodium may increase your risk of further dehydration. Dehydration may affect your cognitive abilities, and yourreaction time may be worsened, including your ability to drive.
- Heart damage:Alcohol, particularly when consumed in excess, istoxic to the heart, increasing the risk of heart rhythm disorders, heart attack and heart failure. Similarly,Imodium is toxic to the heartwhen taken at doses higher than 8 to 16 mg or taken over anextended period of time. Combining the two might put an additive strain on the heart.
- Polysubstance abuse:If you regularly consume both Imodium and alcohol, you may be at a higher risk of addiction to both substances, making detoxing and treatment more complicated.
Imodium Overdose
Mixing alcohol and Imodium (loperamide) can increase your risk for an Imodium overdose. Alcohol won’t stop the loperamide from working, but it can irritate the GI tract. That can cause diarrhea problems to worsen, so it may seem like the loperamide isn’t working. This may cause a person to take higher doses of Imodium, increasing their risk for overdose. Furthermore, a person who is drinking alcohol does not usually exhibit optimal judgment, so they may be more likely to take an excessive amount of Imodium.
Imodium overdoses carry significant health risks. At high doses,Imodium can enter the brain, leading to increased drowsiness and dizziness. Kidney damage and irregular heartbeat (which can be fatal) are also possible.
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Know the Risks
Both Imodium and alcohol can be dangerous in excessive quantities. If you struggle with controlling your Imodium and alcohol use, you may be at risk of addiction to these substances. Luckily, help is available. Our staff at The Recovery Village are experts in addiction and polysubstance abuse and can help put you on a path to a life without drinking or Imodium.Contact ustoday to discuss your treatment options.
