Imodium Instants stop diarrhoea fast, wherever you are. The melt-in-the-mouth tablets contain loperamide 2mg and dissolve on the tongue with no need for water – handy for sudden diarrhoea on the go.
What are Imodium Instants?
Imodium Instants are orodispersible (melt-in-the-mouth) tablets of loperamide 2mg for the short-term treatment of acute diarrhoea in adults and children aged 12 and over, including diarrhoea associated with IBS in adults. They are available without prescription from our GPhC-registered UK pharmacy.
How to take Imodium Instants
- Place a tablet on the tongue, let it dissolve and swallow with saliva – no water needed.
- Adults: 2 tablets to start, then 1 tablet after each loose stool.
- Do not take more than 6 tablets (12mg) in 24 hours.
Please read the patient information leaflet inside the pack before use.
How do they work?
Loperamide gently slows the movement of the gut, giving it more time to absorb water from the stool. This firms things up and cuts down how often you need to go, easing the urgency of diarrhoea.
Stay hydrated
Diarrhoea makes you lose fluid and salts, so drink plenty of water and consider oral rehydration sachets, especially for older adults. Loperamide treats the symptom – replacing fluids is just as important.
When to see a doctor
Stop and get advice if diarrhoea lasts more than 48 hours, or if you have blood in the stool with a fever, severe tummy pain, or signs of dehydration. Imodium is not for children under 12 without medical advice.
Instants or Imodium Plus?
Instants are straightforward loperamide for diarrhoea. If you also have bloating, cramps and trapped wind, Imodium Plus adds simeticone to tackle both. Browse the full stomach and bowel range.
Buy Imodium Instants online
Order Imodium Instants from Bury Healthcare Online, a GPhC-registered UK pharmacy.
Always read the label and the patient information leaflet before use. If diarrhoea is severe, bloody, or lasts more than 2 days, speak to your pharmacist or doctor.
Medically reviewed by Hassan Khan, MPharm, Independent Prescriber — Superintendent Pharmacist, Bury Healthcare Online (GPhC-registered pharmacy 1126145). Last reviewed: July 2026.
Imodium Instants FAQs
What are Imodium Instants used for?
Imodium Instants treat acute (short-term) diarrhoea in adults and children aged 12 and over, including the diarrhoea that can come with irritable bowel syndrome in adults. Each melt-in-the-mouth tablet contains loperamide 2mg.
How do you take Imodium Instants?
Place a tablet on your tongue, let it dissolve and swallow with your saliva – no water needed. The usual adult dose is 2 tablets to start, then 1 tablet after each loose stool, up to a maximum of 6 tablets (12mg) in 24 hours.
How quickly do Imodium Instants work?
Loperamide usually starts to calm diarrhoea within an hour or two. If your diarrhoea has not improved after 48 hours, stop taking it and speak to your pharmacist or doctor.
How do Imodium Instants work?
Loperamide slows down the movement of the gut, giving it more time to absorb water. This firms up the stool and reduces how often you need to go.
Can children take Imodium Instants?
They can be used from age 12. They are not suitable for children under 12 without a doctor’s advice, as young children are more at risk from dehydration and need careful assessment.
When should you NOT use Imodium?
Do not use it if you have blood in your stools with a high fever, or if you have severe tummy pain without diarrhoea. In these cases, and with ongoing or severe diarrhoea, see a doctor rather than treating it yourself.
Should you drink extra fluids with diarrhoea?
Yes. Diarrhoea makes you lose fluid and salts, so drink plenty of water and consider rehydration sachets, especially for older people. Loperamide treats the symptom; staying hydrated is just as important.
Can you take Imodium for IBS diarrhoea?
Yes – in adults, Imodium can be used for bouts of diarrhoea linked to previously diagnosed IBS. If you have not been diagnosed with IBS, or symptoms change, see your doctor.
What are the side effects of Imodium?
Loperamide can cause constipation, tummy cramps, bloating, dizziness or a headache. Very rarely, taking far more than the recommended dose can cause serious heart problems – never exceed the stated dose.
Imodium Instants or Imodium Plus – what is the difference?
Instants are melt-in-the-mouth loperamide for straightforward diarrhoea.
Imodium Plus adds simeticone to also relieve the bloating, cramps and trapped wind that can come with it.
How long does Imodium last?
Each dose of loperamide works for several hours. Rather than taking it on a fixed schedule, you take another tablet after each loose stool, up to the daily maximum. A single bout of diarrhoea is usually under control within a day. If diarrhoea lasts more than 48 hours, stop and speak to your pharmacist or doctor.
Is it safe to take Imodium every day?
Imodium is intended for short-term use – no more than about 48 hours for a bout of diarrhoea without advice. It is not meant to be taken every day, long term. If you find you need it regularly, or you have an ongoing bowel condition, see your doctor, as daily loperamide should only be used under medical supervision.
