Suggest Treatment For Persistent Diarrhea Despite Taking Lomotil

Posted on Fri, 7 Oct 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 7 Oct 2016 Answered on

Thu, 3 Nov 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi,

I had watery diarrhea for 5 days. Immodium didn't stop it. My primary care put me on Lomotil and although it stopped the frequency, when I went, it still was diarrhea.Because I couldn't find a gastro intestinal appt, I went to ER. They took a blood test that they said was fine. The stool sample will be analyzed by a specialist on Tuesday because of the holiday. The only thing that has helped is psyllium. I didn't go at all for a day and 1/2. My energy is great. I have no blood, pain or mucous in stools. Then because I got nervous from not going at all for a day and 1/2, I ate some hummus and crackers and had a formed stool, but with liquid too and soft. Shortly after that I am back to watery diarrhea...3 times within an hour. I want to go back on pysllium in the morning and this time stay off the hummus. Does it take a few days on psyllium for things to get balanced again? I will find out more on Tuesday, but I would like some kind of opinion right now. Thanks so much.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (11 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Please follow..

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you for asking on HCM!
I read carefully all your concerns and I can say as follows :
You are reporting to have diarrhea for more than 3 days whitch has been improved after psyllium use.
To my opinion your symptoms may be related with
- food poisoning
-acute gastroenteritis
This is why I suggest to start probiotic and continue psyllium again.
Probiotics will help to get improved faster.
If the symptoms doesn't improve after a couple of days than you need to do fecal culture test and start antibiotic treatment.
Hope it was helpful to you.
Dr.Klerida

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (3 hours later)

Thank you. I am making an appointment with the doctor but wanted advice for the weekend. Can you suggest the best time to take psyllium and also how much probiotics? Once, twice a day? When is it best to take those. To put my mind at ease does it sound at all like IBS or other chronic condition? I am still feeling really good other than diarrhea after some meals. Thanks again.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (16 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Please follow,,,

Detailed Answer:
Hi back,
there is no preferred time to take psyllium but there are recommendations like:
- use it 2 hour before or after consuming anything
- don't use it at the same time with other medications because psyllium will eliminate it.
With regards to probiotics I would suggest to take 2 capsules per day .
Yes it can be related with IBS but firstly in clinical practice I rule out all organic issues. After excluding organic issues I can say that your symptoms are related with functional issue like IBS.
wish you health.
Dr.Klerida

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (8 hours later)

Thank you for your answer. I have another question. I am 66 years old and have always ate everything without problem. Is it likely that IBS would happen now? I don't feel I am under awful stress just the daily thing. Thanks.

Oh, and another question...would IBS go on without stopping for nearly 3 weeks? Does it instead respond to other medications that are prescribed? I really don't know much about it except for what I've read on internet and don't always trust those sites.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (20 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Please follow

Detailed Answer:
Hi back,
IBS can start in any age even in your age.
Otherwise your symptoms are not typical for IBS this is why I you need to be evaluated more deeply.
IBS can go on 3 weeks or more.
usually IBS is associated with constipation and diarrhea.
Hope it was helpful to you!
Dr.Klerida

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar