When Is Imodium Advisable While Having Diarrhea?

Posted on Wed, 10 Jun 2015

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

Wed, 10 Jun 2015 Answered on

Tue, 7 Jul 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : When is Imodium bad for you if you have diarrhea?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Michelle Gibson (48 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
morphine would slow down diarr some what

Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

No, it is not necessarily bad but it can , because it would stop the diarrhea, also prevent the virus from working itself out of his gastrointestinal tract.
This may mean prolonging the diarrhea especially since they have already given him morphine.

The morphine can also slow down the transit time through the bowel and would already hopefully slow the diarrhea somewhat.

Fluids and electrolyte replacement is the main aspect of treatment, to prevent or treat dehydration .
Probiotics , either on their own or in yogurts with probiotics, if these are available for him, would also help.

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions

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

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Michelle Gibson (16 minutes later)

RE: morphine being used to slow-down diarrhea. Wow. Who knew? Now all we need is some peppermint yogurt. Peppermint to calm the stomach nausea and yogurt to balance out the gut. Thanks!

Answered by Dr. Dr. Michelle Gibson (58 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
constipation is one of its potential side effects

Detailed Answer:
HI

Morphine can potentially cause constipation (though some can go the opposite way and get diarrhea), this is one of its side effects.

This side effect is useful for your son since he has diarrhea.

Peppermint is a good suggestion.

Please feel free to ask any other questions

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