Yes, OTC anti-diarrhea medications, such as Imodium, Pepto-Bismol, and Kaopectate, can relieve diarrhea in people with IBS. However, these drugs can have side effects and they're meant to be used only short-term.
Adults and children aged 12 years and over: 2 capsules (4 mg) initially followed by 1 capsule (2 mg) after every loose stool. The maximum daily dose should not exceed 6 capsules (12 mg).
You can use this medicine for up to 2 weeks for repeated attacks of IBS diarrhoea. But if any one attack lasts for longer than 48 hours, stop taking IMODIUM® and talk to your doctor.
Is it safe to take for a long time? If you've bought loperamide for short-term diarrhoea, do not take it for longer than 48 hours without talking to a doctor. Loperamide may be used for long-lasting diarrhoea and by people who have a colostomy (stoma) if their doctor prescribes it.
Pepto-Bismol is an OTC medication used to treat diarrhea in people ages 12 and older. Unlike Imodium A-D, it's also used to relieve other symptoms, including heartburn, indigestion, and nausea. Pepto-Bismol is available as a regular or chewable oral tablet, capsule, and liquid.
Bismuth subsalicylate (i.e., Pepto-Bismol) has been proven to be effective in children with chronic diarrhea and for adults with microscopic colitis. Clinical experience suggests that opioids and opioid agonists are the most effective prescription medications for treatment of chronic diarrhea.
Your doctor may suggest trying OTC diarrhea medicines such as bismuth subsalicylate (Kaopectate, Pepto-Bismol) and loperamide (Imodium) for relief. Researchers have found these drugs can help slow diarrhea, but they won't help with other IBS symptoms like belly pain or swelling.
The best IBS tablets for you will depend on your specific symptoms. If you are suffering with diarrhoea, then Imodium is your best bet. If you're suffering from stomach cramps, then Buscopan is a great option. For trapped wind and spasming, Colpermin could alleviate your symptoms.
For oral dosage form (tablets): Adults and teenagers—The usual dose is 4 mg (2 tablets) after the first loose bowel movement, and 2 mg (1 tablet) after each loose bowel movement after the first dose has been taken. No more than 8 mg (4 tablets) should be taken in any 24-hour period.
IMODIUM® IBS Relief helps take control of your medically diagnosed IBS diarrhoea. IMODIUM® Instants dissolve instantly on your tongue, so they're great for when you're on the go. IMODIUM® Dual Action Tablets not only helps stop diarrhoea, but also soothe painful cramps, bloating and wind.
Most people only need to take Imodium for a day or two. Longer-lasting diarrhea or diarrhea that consistently comes and goes might mean you have an underlying medical condition, so you should talk to your doctor.
Imodium usually works for me a longer time, I would try it before bed and it should last through out the morning…if you want to prevent it. Each person is different and depending on the motility of your gut, definitely read the instructions and tailor it to the activities you have planned.
IMODIUM products treat diarrhea and contain an active ingredient called Loperamide, which works to help restore your digestive system to its normal pace. If symptoms persist for more than two days or get worse, consult your healthcare professional.
If your bowel is generally active all the time you can take it twice a day morning and evening. Alternatively you can take it as and when needed such as before you plan to go out or before a long journey. This may help to reduce any worries about your bowels when you are away from home.
For people whose main symptom is diarrhea, fiber supplements often are the first treatment recommended. Fiber can add form to stool and make it less loose or watery. Anti-diarrheal products, such as loperamide, also work to decrease diarrhea.
Can I take Buscopan for a long time? Do not take Buscopan for longer than 2 weeks unless your doctor tells you to. Talk to your doctor if your symptoms change, get worse or have not improved after 2 weeks. Your doctor will want to rule out an illness that may be causing your symptoms.
Mebeverine: taken before each meal, is another medication for IBS pain relief. It works in much the same way as buscopan and colpermin, to relax the bowel and relieve cramps.
IMODIUM® slows down the movement (contractions) in your intestine so that you pass firmer stools less often. But usually, the drug doesn't completely stop you from having bowel movements3. Constipation may occur.
Treating Diarrhea
A gastroenterologist may need to perform stool sample testing or a colonoscopy to detect certain conditions such as intestinal disorders. Once a diagnosis has been made, your GI doctor can provide you with the proper lifestyle changes along with medications and other options.
Share on Pinterest Causes of explosive diarrhea can include viral infections, bacterial infections, and food allergies. The viruses most often responsible for diarrhea include norovirus, rotavirus, or any number of the viruses that cause viral gastroenteritis. This condition is what many people call the “stomach flu.”
Buscopan, Colofac, and Spasmonal can all help with diarrhoea/loose stools as they calm spasms in the bowel. However if the diarrhoea is several times a day and very incapacitating, then loperamide is more likely to control it.