Calling all sufferers of Crohns and Ulcerative Colitis

[Tippytappytoes]

Does anyone else have issues with loperamide? I have UC, have an reasonably well behaved illeoanal pouch. After the op (many many years ago) I used to take it with no issues, but now it slows my digestion down so much I usually end up being sick and I feel the affects for days after. I don't often take it now, but it was always a handy option on a night out.

Hi OP on days when I work (3 per week) and any days out of a weekend etc I take anything from 8-14 loperamide capsules a day with no ill effects, bar increased abdo pain and a bit of nausea/dizziness. It's totally bearable and far preferable to the alternative! I've done this for over 8 years with my consultants consent

are you definitely sure it's the loperamide doing it?

Yes, it's useful at times but I know I'll have problems later.
It sounds as though you are very sensitive to it, could you try taking one tablet instead of two.

Pretty sure it's the loperamide. When I had my Stoma I used to take it by the handful (along with a pro-biotic that reduced wind - I'll try and remember the name for you What it was really good) with no ill affects. Then when I got plumbed back in, I used it sparingly and it was fine, now just 1 tablet is enough to mess things up. At first I thought it was just the Imodium brand but when I tried other brands is was just the same (although not as bad). Maybe I just can't take it any more, which is a shame.

what a pain!! Have a chat to the pharmacist and see if they have any advice? There might be something you could try alongside it to keep your digestive system moving, but still reduce urgency etc.
Maybe codeine or tincture of opium would work the same way for you if not?

Ooooh and yes please to the recommendation for the probiotic!

That's a good point about the immodium brand, it will have other active ingredients thst could be causing issues. I get generic loperamide on prescription.

It was Schiff Digestive Advantage - Gas Defense Formula! I found them in the States and then found that a few places import and sell them over here. They were really really good.

My specialist nurse was at a loss at what to suggest, but apparently I'm not the only one finding out I have problems with it - maybe it is the pouch.

I can't take codeine - it does pretty much the same thing but shuts my whole digestive process down resulting in Exorcist type extremes (what can't go down comes up and up and up).

I suppose I will have to stick to haribo for the future, or just keep trying different brands.

Maybe recipes have changed and they are now adding something they didn't used to? I shall do some googling later.

I'd definitely ask your GP to prescribe it and try the plain bog standard loperamide to see if it is the additives. If you still have the same problem, then you'll know for sure it's the loperamide itself.

Thank you for that! I've made a note of it and will get googling for it

I have uc but it's controlled with anti inflammatory drugs but pre diagnosis I used to take loads of Imodium with no ill effects