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Does Imodium Effectively Treat Diarrhea?

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Posted on Wed, 28 Mar 2018
Twitter Wed, 28 Mar 2018 Answered on
Twitter Mon, 29 May 2023 Last reviewed on
Question : I have crohns , my ulcers are healed and I am in remission according to my doctor. I take shots once a month , it is called Cizmia. I was also on cortisteroids. My doctor told me to quit taking the cortisteroid and when I did the dirrehea came back with a vengence. It is watery stool and sometimes several, several times a day. Usually over 10 times a day I will go. I had a colon scan and a barium scan. Both were negative for ulcers. If I take the cortisteroid my dirrehea goes away. But, the cortisteroid gives other problems. Such as weight gain, hair loss, my arms if I bump them will immediately have a red spot appear like a blood blister. My face swells and becomes red on the cheeks. i cannot have any meds. with sulfa in them, so that limits my options. I just had a blood test and a stool sample taken. I don't have the results yet.. what do you suggest . Is there a different treatment that I can use? Sorry about the spelling.

My doctor has asked to have my shots upped to twice a month, the insurance will not pay for twice a month. My body is not retaining enough of the shot from one month to the next time.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ramesh Kumar (23 minutes later)
Brief Answer:

TAKE IMODIUM.

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

To control loose stools and its frequency use Imodium in doses ranging from 2mg to 16 mg day.
It would help you a lot.

Corticosteroids should not be taken they cause lots of systemic side effects like a blockage in a coronary artery, osteoporosis, etc.

I would start imodium, its OTC. Start with 8 mg a day in twice daily doses and increase to 16 mg per day.

You can also add Racicadotryl 100 mg thrice daily if imodium alone does not help. This is a prescription drug. Your doctor will know.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Take care

Regards,
Dr Ramesh Kumar, Gastroenterologist
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Ramesh Kumar (2 hours later)
I tried Imodium for 2 days, then I stopped as it seemed not to help, I guess I was taking it in a high enough doses as it said on the bottle not exceed 30 mg in 24 hours. I will try this again, please send me a dose schedule so I will get the right benefit, thanks
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ramesh Kumar (9 hours later)
Brief Answer:

follow up.

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

The initial schedule takes 8 mg of loperamide with breakfast followed by 4 mg before lunch and 4 mg before dinner.

Along with it take Isapghul husk 10 gram thrice daily 10 minutes before each big meal.

This absorbs water from.intestine and would swell up adding bulk to stools.

If this does not help then Dicyclomine 10 mg thrice daily should be added with loperamide. Give it at least 10 days to show effect. Follow up after 10 days.

Hope I have answered your query.

Take care

Regards,
Dr Ramesh Kumar, Gastroenterologist
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng
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Answered by
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Dr. Ramesh Kumar

Gastroenterologist

Practicing since :1986

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Does Imodium Effectively Treat Diarrhea?

Brief Answer: TAKE IMODIUM. Detailed Answer: Hi, To control loose stools and its frequency use Imodium in doses ranging from 2mg to 16 mg day. It would help you a lot. Corticosteroids should not be taken they cause lots of systemic side effects like a blockage in a coronary artery, osteoporosis, etc. I would start imodium, its OTC. Start with 8 mg a day in twice daily doses and increase to 16 mg per day. You can also add Racicadotryl 100 mg thrice daily if imodium alone does not help. This is a prescription drug. Your doctor will know. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Take care Regards, Dr Ramesh Kumar, Gastroenterologist