OTc meds while on prescription meds

Hi,

Was wondering if people continue to use over the counter meds, particularly Immodium type meds while on Asacol? My doctor said not to because he didn't want me "masking symptoms" during the 3 months between my colonoscopies, but he's done his second test, so wouldn't it be about contolling symptoms now?

I did what he said between tests and the Asacol seemed to be working pretty well, but ever since the second colonoscopy a week ago, I've been in the midst of a flare. In the past OTC meds have helped reign it in before they got too severe, but I hesitate to combine OTC and presciption but I'd like to try to nip this in the bud if I can.

Imodium will have absolutely NO effect on inflammation...by "reining them in".

You need to also be on rectal meds...asacol alone will not help any rectal inflammation.

Imodium will lessen your symptoms by stopping the peristalsis. Which you don't want!

You'd be far better off by using an antispasmodic that will help lessen the spasming. Fibre supplements can help increase the exercise of the colon...helping to keep it strong.

The colon can become lazy very quickly...it doesn't like to work effectively, and the spasming....I describe them as hissy fits.

You need to push for rectal meds first, learn how to use your meds effectively, and don't get into the idea that imodium will help your inflammation in any way, shape or form.

So, here's my suggestion for your list to the doc....mesalamine enemas, Bentyl lowest dosage to start...refills for both.

For you, get on fibre supplements and good probiotics.

q

no drug interaction, but it's not suggested to take imodium over long periods of time. My perspective, you want to lessen your opportunity for other issues to happen, or for you to prevent your colon from doing its thing properly.

Imodium has its place...if your diarrhea cannot be linked to inflammation, IBD, IBS, etc...cannot be helped by fibre supplements, diet change, medications such as oral/rectal, antispasmodics...than it should be considered.

Again...rectal meds must be an addition to the "arse'nal"...please push for them.

I'm thinking long-term for you..not the now.

Don't get me wrong that I don't take meds for other things and that I'm intolerant of symptoms...I'm all for it. But, I want my colon to function as well as possible without hindering it. Weird since I don't push my body that way...exercise would do me a world of good.

Please let us know the results of your scope...hope all is positive..as in A-OK.

q