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Can Imodium Cause Itching On The Body?
Posted on
Fri, 17 Mar 2017
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Fri, 17 Mar 2017
Answered on
Tue, 11 Apr 2017
Last reviewed on
Question : Hello Doctor, I have been taking Imodium for a while. I take Excedrin for my headaches and then end up with stomach problems; therefore the reason I take the Imodium. I recently am itching all over my body, from head to toe. It's extremely frustrating and causing me a great deal of stress. Can the cause of my itching be from the immodium?
Thank you for your help.
Thank you for your help.
Brief Answer:
Information
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Itching can some from many different sources, including an allergy to any medication. Imodium isn't a common one for allergic reactions (we see that more with antibiotics and some other meds) but that doesn't mean it can't happen. Usually when there is an allergic response the itching is associated with hives (wheals that come out on the skin) - but again, not always.
Imodium is used to treat diarrhea. Are you getting diarrhea from the Excedrin?
Here are my suggestions:
1. For the itching, take an antihistamine such as Zyrtec (generic is cetirizine). For itching, often it is prescribed to take it twice a day. Use lotions and soaps that do not contain fragrance. Consider a laundry detergent that does not have fragrance, and discontinue fabric softeners and dryer sheets.
2. If the itching is causing severe hives, or if you are having difficulty breathing or wheezing, or swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat, go to the ER. (I am not expecting this to happen - saying it as a precaution).
3. Diarrhea from Imodium in exchange for help from Excedrin for headaches doesn't seem like a good situation.
- If your headaches have not been evaluated in the past, OR if they are coming more frequently or more severe, this needs to be evaluated. See your doctor or consult a neurologist for evaluation.
- If headaches are frequent and migranous, there are medications to prevent them from occurring or at least from occurring frequently.
- If headaches are from stress and tension, treating the underlying problem, with talk therapy, and/or medication can help prevent the headaches.
I hope this information helps. Please let me know if I can provide further information.
Information
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Itching can some from many different sources, including an allergy to any medication. Imodium isn't a common one for allergic reactions (we see that more with antibiotics and some other meds) but that doesn't mean it can't happen. Usually when there is an allergic response the itching is associated with hives (wheals that come out on the skin) - but again, not always.
Imodium is used to treat diarrhea. Are you getting diarrhea from the Excedrin?
Here are my suggestions:
1. For the itching, take an antihistamine such as Zyrtec (generic is cetirizine). For itching, often it is prescribed to take it twice a day. Use lotions and soaps that do not contain fragrance. Consider a laundry detergent that does not have fragrance, and discontinue fabric softeners and dryer sheets.
2. If the itching is causing severe hives, or if you are having difficulty breathing or wheezing, or swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat, go to the ER. (I am not expecting this to happen - saying it as a precaution).
3. Diarrhea from Imodium in exchange for help from Excedrin for headaches doesn't seem like a good situation.
- If your headaches have not been evaluated in the past, OR if they are coming more frequently or more severe, this needs to be evaluated. See your doctor or consult a neurologist for evaluation.
- If headaches are frequent and migranous, there are medications to prevent them from occurring or at least from occurring frequently.
- If headaches are from stress and tension, treating the underlying problem, with talk therapy, and/or medication can help prevent the headaches.
I hope this information helps. Please let me know if I can provide further information.
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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