Immodium question

[4Myluvbugs]

Have you ever heard of anyone being on/taking immodium daily for an indefinite amount of time? An older family member, who has lied about medical diagnosis/info before, claims that a "specialist" told them to take immodium daily indefinitely/for as long as they want? I did verify that they actually saw a doctor but I'm betting doc said for a few days until you're feeling better/more regular IYKWIM? It sounded completely crazy as I've only ever heard of someone taking it for between 1-3 days. Trying to encourage this person's spouse to call the doctor to get clarification but I wanted to get your opinions before I get involved.

Thanks
J

[Tondi G]

I've never heard of that. I took Immodium once when I was having endless diarrhea at the suggestion of my doctor. It gave me the worst cramping. I will never take it again! I found a homeopathic to use that works great!

[crl]

No I have not ever heard of that. I am no expert at all, but I have always understood that it was to be taken on a very limited basis and only when desperate (ie if you can stay home and just be sick you should, the Imodium is for times when you are stuck on an airplane or something).

Catherine

[dogmom]

Well, I can find a doctor that will prescribe me 100 percocet and 50 xanax for a month, but that doesn't mean it's a good idea.....

Imodium is usually something medical professionals do not like using, but there are some specific uses. For example, it can be taken by people with irritable bowel disease (IBS), but they are at higher risk for toxic megacolon then. I have seen it used in older people who are so stressed out by the fear of messing themselves or bowel urgency that they severely limit their life. At that point some physicians feel the upside of getting the person out and moving and not rushing to the bathroom and falling is worth the risk.

[NCGrandma]

I have seen it used in older people who are so stressed out by the fear of messing themselves or bowel urgency that they severely limit their life. At that point some physicians feel the upside of getting the person out and moving and not rushing to the bathroom and falling is worth the risk.

Hopefully those physicians first reviewed the other meds those older people are taking... Imodium has a fairly impressive list of drugs it interacts with, including some severe interactions.