Imodium capsule: is imodium 2mg safe use for... - IBS Network

IBS Network

47,322 members15,523 posts

Imodium capsule

zubi123 profile image
8 Replies

is imodium 2mg safe use for long term, imodium is perfect solution for diareha?

for Diarehea pattient,

Written by
zubi123 profile image
zubi123
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
8 Replies
Maureen1958 profile image
Maureen1958

Yes, it's fine to use imodium for diarrhoea, long term. Please see my reply to your last post regarding Bile Acid Malabsorption. See below for a link with more information about it.

gutscharity.org.uk/advice-a...

Maureen

fenbadger profile image
fenbadger

Looks like it. Had a discussion with my doc about long term use. I go through the max (6) most day for over 10 years

zubi123 profile image
zubi123 in reply to fenbadger

REALLY,

fenbadger profile image
fenbadger in reply to zubi123

yes, really

Suecoo66 profile image
Suecoo66

I personally have found over time my body has become accustomed to it and where 1 would work I now need 3 and I don't take it regularly just as prevention if travelling or at work etc. If I'm home I don't bother.

It also gives me cramps

Endersgame profile image
Endersgame

Im on 4mg per day as a regular dose and can increase this up as far as 16mg if needed. Been taking this for about 20 years. I do find that if I take 6-8mg or more it can trigger a migraine (im prone) so try to keep it below this level if possible.

sg25 profile image
sg25

My consultant said think of Imodium as your best friend. Sometimes I just take half a tablet if things are a bit soft.

xjrs profile image
xjrs

Have you had any stool sample or blood tests to diagnose IBS?:

nhs.uk/conditions/irritable-bowel-syndrome-ibs/getting-diagnosed/

Imodium isn't a long term solution. If you have IBS, have you been getting any help with it? Here is some information about IBS that I have shared with others in this group in case any of these tips are of interest to you:

IBS can be due to a number or combination of factors - these can be stress (including stress from early life experiences) which impacts the communication between the brain and the digestive system. There are lots of free webinars online at the moment regarding mindfulness meditation which might help. Plus you can ask to be referred for CBT or something similar to reduce anxiety - I would have thought online appointments are available. Exercise can play a major role in IBS in terms of reducing stress, helping your gut microbiome and regulating bowel movements.

There is also not absorbing certain types of carbohydrates called FODMAPs very well, the residue ending up in the colon and bacteria feeding off them causing symptoms. Ordinarily feeding gut bacteria is a really good thing - when you feed good gut bacteria these produce by-products that have great health effects in the gut and throughout the body. However, in some people with IBS bad bugs might have the upper hand over good - these bad bugs may cause symptoms such as excess gas, pain or disordered bowel movements. There is an interesting infographic on this here:

gutmicrobiotaforhealth.com/....

This is why it’s worth trying probiotics such as Alflorex (which has been scientifically studied for IBS) or Symprove to crowd out the bad bugs and make their numbers die down. If that doesn't work you can try the FODMAP elimination and reintroduction diet. This is normally under the guidance of a nutritionist via GP referral - this may not be possible at the moment so you can read about it online. If you download the Monash University FODMAP app and Kings College fodmap apps, they will tell you which foods contain FODMAPs and in what quantities. You can eliminate all FODMAPs for 2 weeks and then introduce each type of FODMAP one at a time starting in small quantities, increasing over a 3 day period and wait up to 4 days for symptoms. I go much slower than this - only introducing a small amount (1/4 to 1/3 of a normal portion size) of the same food for 3 days and then increase if tolerable or no symptoms and cut back to the previous amount if symptoms for longer and then try to increment again . I've read your microbiome can adapt to handling a new food if introduced very slowly and your bad bugs are under control with a good probiotic. Ideally you want to eat as many FODMAPs as you can since they are good for your health. Many people with IBS don't have diverse gut bacteria - it has been found that people who lack a diverse microbiome are more prone to diseases in general. In the long run, if you can get your symptoms under control, the ideal situation is to have a very varied diet - lots of different coloured fruits and vegetables, a variety of protein and carbohydrate sources including cereal fibres. This may seem a long way off, but with the right treatment all of this is possible. Last year all I could consume to control my IBS was white rice, protein and limited low fodmap veg. Using the approach above (particularly introducing Alflorex) I am now able to consume far more foods - more than I've ever dreamed of including wholewheat bread which is unheard of for me.

If you are also suffering from pain, you may be suffering from visceral hypersensitivity (functional abdominal pain) - there is info about it here:

iffgd.org/lower-gi-disorder...

It is where the brain interprets the normal activity of the bowel as pain - this is due to a wearing down of neurons in pain control centres of the brain which can be caused by PTSD, neglect or abuse in childhood, extreme stressful events etc. The first line treatment is nerve pain agents such as low dose amitriptyline. There is a theory that being on something like amitriptyline for 6-12 months can help the pain control centre neurons to regenerate. Note that amitriptyline can cause constipation, but this can be helpful in people who are diarrhea dominant. Unfortunately I couldn't tolerate these. Linaclotide (for IBS-C only) & Alflorex have helped me with this intestinal pain.

You may also find assistance with anti-spasmodic medication such as mebeverine (Colofac) or enteric coated peppermint.

You can find some info on self management here:

theibsnetwork.org/the-self-...

If all of the usual IBS remedies fail and you are experiencing diarrhea, it is worth getting tested for BAM (Bile Acid Malabsorption), which can cause constant diarrhea - there is a separate test and treatment for that. Good luck.

You may also like...

Imodium

Hello, does anyone find it helpful to take Imodium to prevent diarrhoea if going out? Or would you...

Imodium

Is there an alternative to Imodium.I took 1 Imodium capsule 2 mg.Boot's own make on Tuesday after...

Imodium

Who here takes imodium daily, how many do you take and how long have you been taking them daily for?

Imodium

I don't normally take imodium for ibs d I took 2 instant ones on Fri since taking them I've felt...

Imodium

Is this safe to do so? I've seen lots online say it is a very safe drug to take long term. Does...