Is it safe to use codeine phosphate and Immodium together.

Hi all, as an almost lifelong sufferer of IBS (and diagnosed at one point with non specific colitis), I have experienced diarrhoea on a virtually daily basis. Codeine phosphate has been a life safer over a period of 50 years but am currently having problems as Consultant recommended using Fybogel to bulk up stools and I seem to be all out of sync and finding it difficult to get back to a controllable way of life. Wondered if it were possible to use Immodium and codeine phosphate together when going on the very occasional long journey.

[fenbadger]

It has to depend on the individual. We're all different. When my GP issues codeine I always get the warning about constipation. However I've never had any problem. I use generic Loperamide regularly and when I use codeine as well there's no difference. This may not be true for you. I haven't found any information that says you shouldn't use them together. Should you wish to give it a try I imagine if it doesn't work out and you come off one or the other - or both, then your IBS will come to the "rescue". Fybagel is horrible but works - and I'm amazed I still don't seem to get enough fibre since I've deliberately chosen high fibre menus.

[Hidden in reply to fenbadger]

Thanks fenbadger, my biggest worry when going on a journey is overdoing the codeine phos and ending up with problems the other end. Has never happened so far but I have taken codeine for nearly 40 years and I don’t feel quite so confident as I get older.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

I’m presuming you are diagnosed with IBS. Following a colonoscopy in 2008 I was diagnosed with ‘non specific’ colitis. As a 2013 colonoscopy did not report any colitis, I have subsequently been diagnosed by my new Consultant as having IBS. Can you have both? Does colitis come and go? Sorry to ask so many questions but I’ve never found anyone to talk to about the subject until coming across this site.

[fenbadger in reply to Hidden]

Well, you have to move sometimes as they say. If I'm on a journey I may skip the codeine as I expect less pain but dose up at the beginning on Immodium as a precaution. It works for me but there are no guarantees.

[Hopkir]

I take codeine phosphate and loperamide and it's my only way I can lead what I call a normal life !! Never had any problems xgoodluck

[daisie2013]

Yes I also take codeine phosphate & loperamide, especially when I'm traveling, otherwise I wouldn't get out of the bathroom. I'm currently on holiday in Thailand, the combination has enabled me to get out & about, all the chillies here have a dire effect.

[Hidden]

Thanks Daisie2013. If you don’t mind my asking, how much codeine do you take and is it at the same time as the loperamide?

[daisie2013 in reply to Hidden]

It varies depending on how bad my Ibs is but I think the maximum I've taken over 24 hours would be 4codeine phosphate 30mg & 2 loperamide. I took these on the 12 hour flight home + Nurofen & was fine, they never cause constipation but I think everyone is different.

[debb13]

On any journey I used to get anxious and that would set off my bowels with bad diarrhoea every 10 mins. Lomotil (trade name), Co-phenotrope (generic name), was a life saver for me, controlling my bowels in 20-30 mins max. There seems to be a manufacturer problem and is not available anywhere, with the worry of this I am going downhill. I don't know what else to take as loperamide takes 1 hr to take effect. How quick is Codeine phosphate?

[Hidden]

Hi debb. Back in 1968 I was prescribed (temporarily as I was pregnant at the time) codeine phosphate. I used it only at times of travel initially but as my IBS (sometimes colitis) got worse over the years I would take as little as possible to get me through, sometimes none at all if I was at home and near a loo but the last 10 years I have never gone further than the garden without taking them. For me, they work within 15 mins. and last 4 hrs so that a really long journey I work out like a military manoeuvre. Hope this helps.

[judy1713 in reply to Hidden]

Hi, I've been suffering with this for like 58 years, I'm 68 now, and a widow. I'm an agoraphobic, Very hard for me to go any place. I need to stay close to my Bathroom. And of course the more you worry about it the worse it gets, the more you have to Run to the Bathroom. Isn't it terrible the way our minds control us? I have such a fear of having to use the bathroom and some one knowing, that it only takes a couple min. for me to have to run to the bathroom multiple times, almost like dry heaves, only the other end of course, sometimes. So What is codeine phosphate ? I've never heard of it ?? can you get it over the counter?? I have had enough tests, I can't go through all that stuff that all you others are brave enough to keep going through with Doc. And it didn't help me anyhow. Sure would be nice to find something to help me get out a bit. I can get out for a few hours if I take a Vicodon, Cuz it blocks my mind from telling my stomach to run to the bathroom . But they made them change the pills ingredients so they don't work as well now, so that took that little bit of security away from me. Any how, do I have to have a Scrip for this ? Thank you for the info, Sorry you have to go through this, but its always nice to no there is others out there that understand what your going through

[Montykat in reply to judy1713]

Hi judy i was just browsing and noticed noone had answered your question! Codeine phosphate is a prescrition painkiller that can have a firming effect on bowel movements. For some people too much can leave them badly constipated. For some with ibs d it can help stop that never ending need to run for the loo. I personally take co codamol which is prescription codeine and paracetamol but it has never helped my ibs d i also have to take amitrypraline. The difference between co codamol and codeine phosphate is the latter has no paracetamol in it. Anything is worth a try when u suffer such as yourself . All the very best to you 😊

[Hidden]

Hi Judy 1713, I also am sorry I didn’t spot your question. Codeine phosphate is considered an old fashioned pain killer but it has the effect of ‘paralysing’ the nerve ends that send us rushing to the loo. They are the words used by a Consultant back in 1968. You need a prescription and 15mg is usually adequate to give up to 4 hours of worry free time away from the bathroom. I used 30 mg but then I have been taking them for nearly 50 years. It is worth a try as obviously nothing else has worked for you. Like you, I have been investigated, poked, prodded and prescribed all sorts of medication to no avail. It works and makes life bearable.