Finally, the waste is passed in the form of stools. When the cells in your small intestine or colon are irritated, the typically relaxed and regular movement of your intestines can become overactive. Essential fluids and salts end up being passed through the colon too quickly with less fluid being absorbed by the body. The result is loose or watery stools, commonly known as diarrhea. This allows the body to start absorbing fluids and salts as it should, restoring the consistency of stools.
Some people with j-pouches may use antidiarrheals on a long-term basis, while others might use them only as needed when having too many bowel movements a day for some reason. Antidiarrheal medications are made from two main ingredients, loperamide, and bismuth subsalicylate.
These medicines work in different ways. Imodium, which can be purchased over-the-counter, decreases the speed and number of intestinal contractions, which has the effect of slowing down diarrhea. Side effects of loperamide can include abdominal pain, dry mouth, drowsiness, dizziness, constipation, nausea, and vomiting.
If you haven't used loperamide before or aren't used to taking it on a regular basis, avoid driving and operating heavy machinery until you know how it affects you.
Some people with j-pouches use this medication on a regular basis and might get a prescription for it from a physician. Bismuth subsalicylate, found in Kaopectate and Pepto-Bismol, is better known for treating stomach upset, but it also works as an antidiarrheal and an anti-inflammatory and it can inhibit the spread of some strains of bacteria that causes diarrhea. Bismuth subsalicylate works to slow diarrhea by reducing the amount of water entering the bowels.
Side effects of Pepto-Bismol include constipation, black stools, or a black tongue. Overdoses of Pepto-Bismol can be dangerous, so only take the prescribed amount and don't double up doses. Diarrhea that goes on for more than a few days or is accompanied by a fever, severe abdominal pain , blood or pus in the stool is a cause to call a physician right away. Not being able to keep any foods or liquids down is another reason to seek medical attention right away.
In most cases, the virus or bacteria will clear the body in a few days, although it might take several more days to feel back to normal. Diarrhea shouldn't be constant, so if it's going on for a long time, it's time to get checked out by a physician and see if there's something else going on.
Yes, various antidiarrheal medication options are available over the counter at pharmacies and many grocery stores. Pepto-Bismol and Kaopectate and their generic equivalents are two common products. Alternatively you can try Imodium , which slows intestinal contractions and reduces bouts of diarrhea. Yes, constipation is one side effect of Imodium. Other potential side effects include dizziness, drowsiness, headache, nausea, and vomiting.
Most people don't experience side effects from taking Imodium, but if you are concerned by a potential reaction, it may be a good idea to talk to your doctor first. A single dose of Imodium can last for 8 to 12 hours. It takes about half an hour for the medicine to begin working. Gas pain? Stool issues? Sign up for the best tips to take care of your stomach.
Merck Manual Professional Version. Updated May Strong SA. Management of acute colitis and toxic megacolon. It also increases the amount of fluids and electrolytes that your body loses. Electrolytes are salts the body needs to function well. Having very low levels of fluids and electrolytes can be dangerous. This condition is called dehydration. The active ingredient in Imodium is the drug loperamide. It works by making the muscles in your intestines contract more slowly.
This in turn slows the movement of food and fluids through your digestive tract, which allows the bowel to absorb more fluids and nutrients. The process makes your bowel movements smaller, more solid, and less frequent. It also decreases the amount of fluids and electrolytes your body loses. Imodium is available as a caplet and a liquid. Both forms are taken by mouth. These forms should be used for no more than two days. However, the caplet is also available in a prescription form that may be used long-term.
The prescription-strength form is used to treat diarrhea caused by digestive diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease.
The recommended dosage is 4 mg to start, followed by 2 mg for each loose stool that occurs after that. Dosage should be based on weight. When using either weight or age, use the following information:. Imodium is generally well-tolerated by many people. However, it can sometimes cause some side effects. Serious side effects of Imodium are rare. Call your doctor right away if you have any of the following:.
Imodium interacts with certain drugs that break down in the body in the same way. The interactions can lead to increased levels of either medication in your body. Imodium also interacts with other anti-diarrheal drugs or medications that cause constipation. Imodium is a safe medication for most people.
However, it should be used carefully. And in some cases, it should be avoided.
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