Imodium

[gettingimpatient222]

Suffering from ibs means that I rely on Imodium quite a lot especially on days like today when we are having an Easter holiday day out with the family including a long car journey to a place where toilets may be few and far between. On a 'normal' day I wouldn't need them but today I will take 1 or 2 tablets as my tummy has been a bit off this morning and I don't want to be caught short - sorry not the nicest of conversations.

Obviously it works by slowing down the bowel which makes me not go for a few days after. My friends think this is really bad and that Imodium should only be used in severe circumstances very rarely. But looking online I see that some people medicate with it daily to help with certain bowel conditions. If you've used it before what has your experience been and do you think it's safe/healthy to use maybe once a week/fortnight?

I do the same when mid flare up and have been fine so far...

Anything that 'controls' the bowel long term is not good for the bowel. Taking imodium daily or even weekly is 'controlling' the bowel.
If your IBS is so severe, then i would see your G.P to get it checked out.
Buscopan would be better if you need to alleviate the symptoms of IBS.

I have IBD rather than IBS but several consultants have told me that it is fine to use it regularly or even "just in case" to stop an attack from happening.

I've taken it like this for nearly 20 years now.

My dad is a regular taker of Imodium due to previous surgery to remove part of his large intestine. This course of action was recommended by his surgeon/specialist and they don’t foresee any long term issues from using it when required. I will say he has tried to manage the issue with diet but his bowel is just temperamental these days!

I've got IBD instead of IBS but my consultant also says its fine