HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

imodium ad

Support Forums
>
Ulcerative Colitis
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 1/26/2009 10:30 PM (GMT 0)
I started using imodium ad one tablet in the morning every day for the last week. This has been the best week outside of prednisone in the last seven years. I am taking lialda and imuran but was in a flare and just tried it on a whim and am shocked by the results. Is there anything to worry about I still have bowel movements just no urgency and no dihearra.
Posted 1/26/2009 10:44 PM (GMT 0)
I guess the main reason they usually say we shouldn't take it too much or too often is because of the increased risk of developing something called Toxic Megacolon, which usually results in emergency surgery and can be fatal if the intestine perforates. However, I'm not sure what "how much" really is. I personally only take Immodium when I really have to, like if I won't be able to get to the bathroom, because it really stops me up and then I have problems for days after. So for me, taking it regularly would probably not be a good idea. But since it is helping with your urgency and you're still having BMs and no diarrhea, I would imagine it would be okay to continue as you are. Just make sure you stay aware of any changes.

Glad to hear you're feeling better!
Posted 1/26/2009 11:24 PM (GMT 0)
I don't take Immodium, but I take something my doctor prescribed call bella phenobarb. Anyone else heard of this?
Posted 1/26/2009 11:35 PM (GMT 0)
I was prescribed that once but then I was told not to take it by the doctor I was working for, and he freaked me out so I never filled the prescription. It's a barbituate so it's pretty heavy stuff I guess. It can also interfere with birth control which was one main reason I didn't want to take it.
Posted 1/27/2009 12:51 AM (GMT 0)
I didn't realize that. Oddly enough, I've been taking it and it works pretty well. And I don't really feel any effects from it. I'm not sure what that says about me :)
Posted 1/27/2009 2:44 AM (GMT 0)

Small doses of Imodium help me a lot also.  I do not take every day but every day that I have to go out early especially and I have had not problems from it - bms ok next day, etc.  Thought about trying it small doses every day.  Going to ask doctor.  My NP told me he prescribes it regularly for some.  I understand the risk of Megacolon is small if you have mild to moderate UC - especially confined to rectum as mine.

ElaineNY

Posted 1/27/2009 2:47 AM (GMT 0)
my GI proscribed lomotil, and said imodium was okay. just not for every day. they masked symptoms. He also said I wasn't "toxic" or it would be a problem. I would talk to your GI about takin any of these sorts of drugs. If they say its okay, then its okay. I guess. Its better for our health I think if we don't. But sometimes its needed. It is a peace of mind thing. If ya took the drug, and have confidence it will work, then ya have no problems Least thats my experience. I probably wouldn't have had problems without the drug... but the mind is a funny ting so...
Posted 1/27/2009 2:58 AM (GMT 0)

I don't understand the "masking symptoms".  If taking say 1/2 Imodium every day or twice a day helps the spasms, cramping, diarrhea, and in my case bleeding - what is it masking?  I used it in Vegas - used the rectal foam twice in a week there and Imodium every day and felt great.  Sorry, I just don't understand!  BUT - having said that I know I should continue my medication for healing, etc.  Just Imodium makes the healing more comfortable since it seems to be taking so long and I have to use less doses than most people.

Do I make any sense?  I am asking my NP about taking Imodium regularly and less the enemas if possible.  May take longer but life will be more comfortable and easier for me.

ElaineNY

Posted 1/27/2009 12:57 PM (GMT 0)
the way my gi described "masking" was that if you are keeping a bm journal (or not) it makes you think your colon is healthier than it is because you aren't running to the bathroom. It makes it harder to get a feel for how good or bad you are really doing because the imdoium is adjusting your bm's. I agree if it helps it helps, with the pain and discomfort. But you really aren't as well as you feel. everyday imodium would make you think you're doing great UC wise when actually it could be getting worse and you wouldn't know it. Don't get me wrong. I stll use it occassionally, just not everyday. I use it when I have to work in an area with no bathrooms or a very long drive. But on the days when I'm going to be home or bathrooms are close, then I don't take it. For me it seems to work out that I take it about twice a week.
Actually since getting better I've haven't been takin it at all. But that was how I worked it when I was flaring at its worst. I'm still flaring, but for now I seem to have it under control (and improving). Am down to 1-2 bm's a morning, then good all day. If I go the third time, I call it a bad day.
Posted 1/27/2009 2:39 PM (GMT 0)

Sometimes my senior brain is a little thick.  Thanks - I do understand most of the "masking". 

I have to tell you when I was diagnosed with UC from a scope only because I was having blood.   I have had IBS for about 30 years with bout of diarrhea, cramping, pain, etc. so took Imodium for a long time.  I only went to doctor when I saw blood for a few weeks off and on.  Then I had a little left-sided discomfort (can't even call it pain).  All this medicine that I have tried - mostly the 5ASA pills and rectal meds have only made me feel worse.  I just want to go back to where I started - taking Imodium a couple times a week when needed and not worry about the blood.  I lived with it fine.  I know it was probably getting worse all the time and would have gotten even worse without any treatment.  I will be a year in May with no real improvement - sort of back to square one!  That is why I questioned taking Imodium or anything else that makes me feel "human", "normal", etc.  It allows me to go to the doctor with my husband, etc. At my age - any way I can make that happen, I will - worry about complications later.  Now, if I was 30 or even 40 my attitude would be different. 

ElaineNY

Posted 1/28/2009 1:13 AM (GMT 0)
I was told that Imodium was very bad for you.
Posted 1/28/2009 1:31 AM (GMT 0)
During a bout of c diff back in nov-dec my doc told me to take immodium daily

Posted 1/28/2009 2:46 AM (GMT 0)
Imodium can be bad and mask symptoms if you have something your body is trying to get rid of, like things that give "normal" people diarrhea.
But I think that as long as you are letting it wear off and you can have bowel movements you should be OK. Before it was OTC my doctors gave me prescriptions for it.
Posted 1/28/2009 3:08 AM (GMT 0)
I took Immodium for years (not every day but as needed.....and sometimes in a flare I did need it daily). I was a teacher. I am retired now and since menopause my UC has become less intense....fewer and milder flares. My worst years were between ages 16 and 35. I did not even hear about immodium until I was about 27 and sometimes it saved me. It never stopped me completely but really, really helped with the urgency. I stilll carry it in my purse at all times. I have heard some doctors and some hear warn about it. But for me, it was the miracle drug at times.
Posted 1/28/2009 6:46 AM (GMT 0)
Such a catch-22...I've never used imodium (then again D is not my major issue), apparently besides toxic mega-colon, imodium can mess up your functions permanantly because your system would become completely reliant on it (which is why it shouldn't be used regularly) at the same time, IBDers have messed up functions (where the catch-22 comes in)...if only they could come up with a safe med that mimics how imodium works...or just hurry up and cure this DD for everyone's sake.

:)
Posted 1/28/2009 7:05 AM (GMT 0)
When I had a c diff infection, my doctor told me NOT to take immodium because all the diarhea is your body's way of ridding itself of the toxins. You don't want to keep that stuff in you.

For UC, I take it on a few occasions, such as travelling, long days at work when I know I won't be close to a bathroom, social events, etc. Immodium really plugs me up and after 1 tablet I won't have movement for a couple of days. I can see everyone's point about masking symptoms, but if you can take a pill that helps you out, go for it. Just don't overdo it.
Posted 1/28/2009 3:12 PM (GMT 0)

I think "common sense" rules in this one.  After asking your doctor for sure if you can use it - even occasionally - use it  carefully.  I, too, have taken it for years for IBS but I never used it until I was "cleaned out" as they say because getting rid of toxins, etc. is important. 

You are right - just come up with something that works perfect or cure this DD!!

ElaineNY

Posted 6/17/2011 5:32 PM (GMT 0)
I have had Ulcerative Colitis for 10 years and have be taking 2 imodium multi symptom in the morning and 2 at night for 9 years straight. I have never had a problem and my doctor is fine with it. Most doctors want kick backs from prescription drugs is why they say non prescription drugs are dangerous. I have tried every drug for it that there is and the only one that works is prednisone. I take it if I am having a flair up only, but it is my miracle drug.
Posted 6/17/2011 8:32 PM (GMT 0)
I usually take it M-F. Couple in morning.
Posted 2/16/2012 5:11 AM (GMT 0)
This is my first time posting. I have been dealing with ulcerative colitis for over 10 years. Have tried every medication possible. I am currently on Cimzia and not really sure it's working so great. Anyone else been on Cimzia. I am really considering taking Imodium AD daily to see if that can help with the frequent runs to the bathroom and the embarrassing urgencies I encounter frequently. I don't feel I am living life at the moment. I am 39 years old, 6'2, 140. As you can tell I have lost an extreme amount of weight.

Thanks
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply