Suggest Treatment For Diarrhea And Acid Reflux While On Imodium

Posted on Tue, 25 Apr 2017

Question: I have been having a problem with stomach gas about an hour or two before time to get up.
I don't have gas problems during the day. I am somewhat prone to diarrhea which is usally
well controlled by Imodium. Could Imodium cause the gas. By the way, I had laser surgery
in Dec. to open up my prostate.
Thanks for any advice XXXXXXX Lyle

Answered by Dr. Sunil (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Side effect of loperamide.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Firstly thanks for choosing this forum to post your query.

I have gone through your details and i appreciate your concern.

As per your query one of the most commonly encountered side effect of loperaminde therapy is severe bloating and gas formation.
Loperamide works by slowing down the movement of the gut. This decreases the number of bowel movements and makes the stool less watery but if gastrointestinal tract is infected with bacteria's this slowing of bowel movements may increase the fermentation of undigested food by bacteria's causing severe bloating and gas formation.

As of now i would suggest you to take Tab Nexium 40 mg stat to provide relief in bloating.Syrup Gelucil (antacid) can also be taken for symptomatic relief.

Loperamide is not a very safe drug and should not be used on your own instead you can use Racicadotry which is a much safe and new salt as compared to loperamide.

Hope i answered your query well.
In case of any other professional advice feel free to ask.

Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Sunil (1 hour later)

Thanks for your advice. I checked with Walgreen's and CVS and neither
carry racicadotry or seem to have heard of it. I could not find it on the internet
but found one called racicadotril. It was not listed at Walgreen's or CVS.
Is it very new? I would need something to replace Imodium. Have we possibly
got a spelling problem here?

Answered by Dr. Sunil (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Follow up answer.

Detailed Answer:
Hi again,
Yes it is Racecadotril.
Its very safe and effective. 100mg can be taken three times a day.
Please don't take loperamide on your own.

Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Sunil (2 days later)

I talked to my pharmacist about racecadotril and he found it on the internet
but he said it is not sold in this country. It is sold in some foreign countries.

Answered by Dr. Sunil (11 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Follow up answer.

Detailed Answer:
Hi again.
In that case loperamide low dose is the only solution.
2mg as and when required to be taken with probiotic.

Thanks!

Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana