I'm going on a trip on Saturday and just got a flare up.
I was wondering what are the side affects of taking Imodium longer term as in a couple of
Weeks?
What dosage would u recommend?
Thanks,
Sinead
Imodium side affects
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Hi Sinead, welcome to the group! I have both asked my GI recently about Immodium as well as researched it a bit on the internet. My GI answered that taking Immodium (loperamide) long term would not be a problem. My research indicates that it has the least side effects of the OTC (over the counter) meds to control diarrhea. Pepto Bismol can be toxic, for instance, at high levels and can cause tinnitus.
Since my diagnosis last October 2014, I went about 6 months with no meds. Crazy me! But for the last 2 months I have been using Immodium with great success and relief! And of course, a diet free from nasty gluten, dairy and soy. I try taking the least amount of loperamide as possible to control my symptoms. For me, being about 8 months out from diagnosis and the worst part of my symptoms, I now need to take about (1) 2 milligram tablet every 12 to 48 hours for good control. I take an additional dose if I have an event to attend away from the house, or a day trip, or if something I've eaten produces an increase in my D symptoms.
In short, feel free to take Immodium per package directions, and according to your frequency of symptoms. I plan on using it as long as I need it, which may be for the rest of my life. It really works for me, and I continue to also control symptoms and support my healing with diet, and I take Vit D3 and started taking Magnesium, which is really helping with the fatigue. I must have been terribly deficient in both.
Best wishes on your journey Sinead!
Since my diagnosis last October 2014, I went about 6 months with no meds. Crazy me! But for the last 2 months I have been using Immodium with great success and relief! And of course, a diet free from nasty gluten, dairy and soy. I try taking the least amount of loperamide as possible to control my symptoms. For me, being about 8 months out from diagnosis and the worst part of my symptoms, I now need to take about (1) 2 milligram tablet every 12 to 48 hours for good control. I take an additional dose if I have an event to attend away from the house, or a day trip, or if something I've eaten produces an increase in my D symptoms.
In short, feel free to take Immodium per package directions, and according to your frequency of symptoms. I plan on using it as long as I need it, which may be for the rest of my life. It really works for me, and I continue to also control symptoms and support my healing with diet, and I take Vit D3 and started taking Magnesium, which is really helping with the fatigue. I must have been terribly deficient in both.
Best wishes on your journey Sinead!
“Nothing will ever be attempted if all possible objections must first be overcome.” - Samuel Johnson
"When making your choices in life, do not forget to live." - Samuel Johnson
MC/LC dx October 2014
"When making your choices in life, do not forget to live." - Samuel Johnson
MC/LC dx October 2014
There are benefits to both bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto Bismol) and loperamide (imodium). Pepto can indeed become toxic, but you would have to take well over the recommended max dose of 8 tablets per day. The liquid, while nasty tasting, can give you a soothing feeling especially when cold. Imodium is chemically related to opiates. There doesn't seem to be any physical dependence and only very few people have ever reported tolerance. Although it is related to opiates, it does not cross the blood-brain barrier. It acts by slowing motility, the transit time of stool through the GI tract. This allows more water and electrolytes to be reabsorbed into the body. I use it religiously and it has yet to let me down.