Imodium(R) ADVANCED is now known as Imodium(R) MULTI-SYMPTOM RELIEF

FORT WASHINGTON, Pa., Oct. 16 /PRNewswire/ -- McNeil Consumer Healthcare, a division of McNEIL-PPC, Inc., today introduced IMODIUM(R) Multi-Symptom Relief, previously sold as IMODIUM(R) Advanced. IMODIUM(R) Multi-Symptom Relief is the only over-the-counter (OTC) anti-diarrheal brand that combines two medicines to relieve diarrhea 33% faster than the fastest prescription anti-diarrheal medicine (loperamide HCl). Plus, Imodium Multi-Symptom Relief relieves the symptoms of gas, cramps, bloating and pressure.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20081016/PH39437 )

IMODIUM(R) Multi-Symptom Relief combines loperamide hydrochloride (HCl) with simethicone for relief of diarrhea, as well as the gas, cramps, bloating and pressure that nearly 65% of diarrhea sufferers can also experience. Loperamide HCl works in the small and large intestines by slowing the increased motility and reducing the increased secretion of fluid and electrolytes that occur with diarrhea. Simethicone acts in the stomach and intestines by altering the surface tension of gas and mucus bubbles, enabling them to group together (coalesce). This action accelerates the passage of gas through the intestine.

Findings from two different randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies conducted in 1995 found that patients who received a combination of loperamide HCl and simethicone had significantly (P<.0001) shorter times to last unformed stool (TLUS) and relief of gas-related abdominal discomfort (ABD) than did patients who received loperamide, simethicone or placebo alone.

Acute diarrhea is the second most commonly reported illness in the United States after respiratory infections. Diarrhea affects people of all ages, with the average adult suffering four bouts of acute diarrhea per year, and 22 million people reporting experiencing diarrhea at least once a month. Acute diarrhea also affects the travel plans of up to 10 million travelers each year.

Common causes of acute diarrhea include many medications, food intolerance, excessive caffeine or alcohol consumption and premenstrual syndrome.

IMODIUM(R) Multi-Symptom Relief is indicated for adults and children ages six and older.

IMODIUM(R) Multi-Symptom Relief is now available in pharmacies, grocery stores and retail outlets everywhere. For more information, please visit www.Imodium.com.

About IMODIUM(R) Multi-Symptom Relief

IMODIUM(R) Multi-Symptom Relief is the only over-the-counter brand that treats both diarrhea and the symptoms of gas. It combines two powerful medicines (loperamide and simethicone) for multi-symptom relief of diarrhea, gas, cramps, bloating and pressure. IMODIUM(R) Multi-Symptom Relief is available as a caplet (2mg loperamide, 125mg simethicone) as well as a chewable, mint-flavored tablet (2mg loperamide, 125mg simethicone). It is indicated for ages six and older.

About McNeil Consumer Healthcare

McNeil Consumer Healthcare Division of McNeil-PPC, Inc. markets a broad range of well-known and trusted OTC products. McNeil Consumer Healthcare is widely recognized for the complete line of TYLENOL(R) products, a leading pain reliever brand in the adult and pediatric categories. The TYLENOL(R) product line consists of hundreds of products across a variety of pain categories including: arthritis pain, pain with accompanying sleeplessness and pain with cough, colds and allergies. Other McNeil Consumer Healthcare brands include BENADRYL(R) allergy medicines; MOTRIN(R) IB; PediaCare(R) upper respiratory medicines for children; ROLAIDS(R) antacid products; ST. JOSEPH(R) Adult Regimen Aspirin; SUDAFED(R) and SUDAFED PE(R) nasal decongestants; and ZYRTEC(R) OTC antihistamines for adults and children.

SOURCE McNeil Consumer Healthcare