Imodium AD

[Cross-stitch gal]

I was talking with my Dad last night. He's just gone on a cruise with my mom a couple of weeks ago and ended up having dinner with a GI Doctor from Canada. My Dad being a Health Teacher has always been interested in the body. So, he had quite the talk with this doctor for a long time.

Supposedly, this Doctor mentioned to him about my taking a low dose of Imodium AD while in a flare. Have any of you done this or know anything about it? From the info I can find, I guess it's supposed to help with diarrhea. In the future I plan on asking my GI as well (when I do flare as I'm not at this moment). But, for now was hoping to see what you guys know about it too.

Thanks

 

[nogutsnoglory]

Yes, Imodium is a common OTC drug to take to help slow down diarrhea. I have been taking it for years and it's very effective.

 

[Cross-stitch gal]

Interesting noguts. Do you take it even when you're not flaring? Seems like it'd be more effective while in a flare...

 

[nogutsnoglory]

I have never been in remission since being diagnosed. Been in a chronic flare for years but it can be used flare or no flare if you wanna slow your bowels.

 

[Cross-stitch gal]

Sorry to hear that noguts

 

[mrjohns2]

Before my GI found out the details on my stricture, he said be very careful about taking Imodium. After, he reiterated the need to slow, but not stop the bowels. He said that if one did not have a stricture (or presumably other issues), one could take Imodium as much as they want. So, until you have that discussion, I would say go easy, slow but not stop.

 

[nogutsnoglory]

Good point mrjohns, with any narrowing in the intestines one needs to be very careful with Imodium.

 

[Cross-stitch gal]

At this point, I'm just asking for info from you guys' experiences. I don't plan on even purchasing the stuff till I talk with my GI about this. Thank you for your input!

 

[scottsma]

I am prescribed Loperamide,which is the same thing.I get it on repeat 'script, as I need it.It says take up to 8 a day,but although I really need them,I rarely have to take more than 3.They're my security,especially when I have early appointments.

 

[moss]

I try to only take Imodium if I'm in a situation where I really, really need to stay out of the bathroom for a while. I find that it definitely helps slow things down, and sometimes it helps with cramping, too.

The only problem is, my body seems to enjoy trying to make up for it the next day. I'll be okay for about 24 hours, but after that my guts decide to get rid of everything for some reason. I don't know if that's just me, though!

Basically, I like it as a quick security medication, but I end up paying for it afterwards.

 

[StarGirrrrl]

I frequently use Immodium when in a flare. It can be a life saver honestly. I think it should always be used as sparingly as possible, however if i'm having a really bad incident (depending on circumstances) I take up to 6 (max dose 8 per day).

I'm one of those people who very rarely get constipated I should mention!

 

[Cross-stitch gal]

The Doctors office called today and mentioned that I shouldn't use the Imodium AD. They suggested that its use would be OK if I was only getting Diarrhea without blood. But its use as a preventive medication during blood would not be a good idea.

 

[Magnolia87]

I try to only take Imodium if I'm in a situation where I really, really need to stay out of the bathroom for a while. I find that it definitely helps slow things down, and sometimes it helps with cramping, too.

The only problem is, my body seems to enjoy trying to make up for it the next day. I'll be okay for about 24 hours, but after that my guts decide to get rid of everything for some reason. I don't know if that's just me, though!

Basically, I like it as a quick security medication, but I end up paying for it afterwards.

Moss, I totally agree. I take it on vacations mostly or if I'm in a general pinch. It's heaven for a day, but then I'm terrified of when the effects wear off because it's always bad. Pros and cons, I guess!

 

[DJW]

Hi, My doctor prescribed Imodium because of my short gut. I take it if I'm going out and can't get to the washroom easily. But I didn't have book or anything like that.

 

[mish2575]

I use immodium when flaring. . . I don't flare enough to need it on a regular basis but I did take it regularly when I had a few months of a flare.

MM tends to keep me from needing it on a regular basis.

 

[mish2575]

Moss, I totally agree. I take it on vacations mostly or if I'm in a general pinch. It's heaven for a day, but then I'm terrified of when the effects wear off because it's always bad. Pros and cons, I guess!

Sounds like you guys would benefit from using it regularly in low dose as originally posted. . .

Why stop if it works?