Thoughts on taking Imodium daily

[Rockbottom61]

IBS and Imodium.

First post here.

Does anyone take Imodium (loperamide) on a daily basis?

My GP said he has patients who take up to 8 a day. This seems extreme to me,I worry about taking 2 a day.

[BabsyWabsy]

SIL has a prescription for up to 8 a day following an op which shortened his bowel. It has taken some years to heal fully, but he hardly needs any now.

[missymo]

I had loperamide for a year because I have watery output stoma but had to stop it because it made me sick& it really didn’t help much either!

[NorahH]

Hi there my Gastroenterologist saud to take one capsule a day, abd it's really helps me. I cant eat Leeks Onion or Garlic so sometimes I inadvertently eat theses foods when im out and the nect day I have to take a Lopermide then if I get d I taje an Imodium instant and that seems to work. Try one a day abd see how that goes.

Good luck

[Sparrow58]

It's all trial and error with IBS. I think it is good advise from NorahH to try 1 a day and then increase if that doesn't work. I always worry about my body getting used to meds. All the best x

[Superzob]

loperamide is pretty innocuous stuff (which is why you can get it over the counter); I have read of people being prescribed 12 a day! I find the main problem is taking too many only to become constipated and the whole process starting all over again when I get the next bowel movement. It’s a bit of a juggling act getting the balance right, but I wouldn’t worry about it if you keep within the 6/day recommended maximum.

[Carol-Ann27]

If you need to take them and they help, by all means take them and always carry Imodium instants for emergency.

[F3rgus808]

I have been prescribed up to 8 x 2mg loperamide capsules a day for at least 5 years for IBS diarrhoea and cramps. I usually take 2 on waking. If I haven't had a bowel movement for a day a just take 1 the next morning then go back to 2. Loperamide has meant I have only very rarely needed to take Buscopan and also that I (personally, just applies to me) can risk 1 or maximum 2 mild, milky coffees to wake me up. I rarely take 3-4 in a day if I still have diarrhoea and always take 2 caps out with me (but that has almost always been as reassurance as I have not needed them when out more than about twice).