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"Lactosemonohydrat" doesn't show up in the list of ingredients in the Imodium I have or on their Website.
You're right. In Sweden they only sell Imodium as white pills and these seem to be colored caplets, right? The pills have lactosemonohydrat in them at least in Sweden.
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I know there are people on the Board who take a lot of Imodium every day, but I prefer to be cautious with it myself.
My advice is to use Imodium as a preventive to start, taking one tablet every morning or perhaps one in the morning and one at night. While the Imodium is keeping your tummy calmed down, I second K2's advice about trying Heathers's dietary approach and Stephie's advice about trying an SFS and cutting out trigger foods, even those you think aren't bothering you.
I agree, that of course it's good to see if you can do without drugs, but it can also be a help while you do try to chance your diet. It can help you have a better life in the process so to speak and that will give you more energy to work with other approaches. And then if diet makes a major difference you should be able to cut down on the medicine after a while.
Personally, I think my IBS is more sensitive to stress and too little sleep than food. But I still try to follow the IBS diet since I figure that is the best way to avoid adding potential triggering factors on top of daily stress et.c. And I do know that I am very sensitive to IF foods. Still I need my 2 daily doses of loperamide to stay stable.
So if you need loperamide you should of course use it, but of course it's a good idea to cut out all possible triggers anyway. In that way you really minimize the risk of problems.
/Ulrika, IBS-D
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On the ingredients, maybe it is different in Sweden? It is definitely lactose free in the UK, and also I think in the US too, as we've had many conversations about it on here, wanting all the generic ones to follow their suit.
(Imodium made a big thing about it when they made the change, about a year ago I think). But it is definitely lactose free, and therefore for anyone with lactose intolerance, or even just a sensitivity to milk (like myself) these are the best option. Though, again, he confirmed that such microsopic amounts are used it is unlikely to cause a problem to many people.
As for the dosage I'm afraid you're wrong. Yes there is a "maximum limit" given on the box (which in the UK is x6 2mg capsules p/ 24hrs), but this is NOT for those with IBS who rely on them, or for thoe with many other illnesses that neccessiate higher usage for symptom control.
If you look on the box / on the leaflet they also say that Imodium should not be used preventatively, should not be taken in 2's other than for the first dose, and should not be taken long term - this is all non-applicable when it comes to those of us with illnesses such as IBS that cause chronic diarrhoea.
I have had this confirmed both from my GI (again, who is the leading authority on IBS in the UK, and respected at such the world round), and also from the company that makes Imodium itself - I spoke to them both by phone & email when I was looking for all the answers myself.
As confirmed by the makers of Imodium, the maxiumum dose stated is only for those using it the 'typical' way - i.e. once every now & again for a stomach bug, an attack of nerves before an interview or an upset stomach on holiday. The comment RE long term use is also directed at those same people. They have to state both these things because of liability to legal action if those NOT suffering with chronic illness misuse the drug.
So you are right in that "there is a reason for" the maximum dosage given / usage instructions, but wrong also, in that it does not apply to those of us on here.
It's important to get the facts right on this one, as many newcomers look to this site for info, and Imodium/loperamide can literally be a lifesaver for many of us, and sometimes needs to be taken in large doses.
(Again though, I re-state that every person is different, and they need to find their own limit - for this I refer you back to the examples I have given of those of us who use large quantities with no negative consequences. Working with your doctor to find this ideal dose is also preferable, though not every doctor completely understands IBS & it's treatment options, so you are of course better dealing with a good specialist.
Specialists familiar with IBS are happy to recommend long term Imodium use, as well as higher doses if absolutely necesssary, as it is the only drug that works specifically & independently on the stomach alone, and as such can cause no other side effects. All other drugs that can be used to treat or manage D - such as Lomotil & AD's - can cause side effects, often serious, and can affect the brain & central nervous system if taken for too long or at the wrong dosage.
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http://ibsblondie13.blogspot.com/
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I tried the metamucil and I started off at 8 oz of water with whatever amount they say to put in it??? Am I supposed to start off even with less of what they say. It has been a while so I don't totally remember.
Edited by lilolme34 (09/01/06 10:24 AM)
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Do you want to take Meta. if you have IBS D or is there a better product to take??
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FYI re: lactose
#280681 - 09/01/06 04:14 PM
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Nelly
Reged: 08/06/04
Posts: 4381
Loc: Within stray mortar fire of DC
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You can do some searches on the site about lactose in Imodium (only one m)-- it's been discussed before. 
It seems outside the US, they put in lactose as a filler. If you can find it without, please post because I know there are a lot of people in England in France who are looking for it with no milk products.
Seems counter-intuitive, but there you go.
~nelly~
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Re: Nelly
#280726 - 09/02/06 05:56 PM
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Blondie13
Reged: 02/28/06
Posts: 641
Loc: Sheffield, England
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Imodium has no lactose in the UK, hasn't for a while. I think it's just Europe now that has the old version
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http://ibsblondie13.blogspot.com/
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Natalie1985
#280750 - 09/03/06 11:56 AM
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Nelly
Reged: 08/06/04
Posts: 4381
Loc: Within stray mortar fire of DC
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This is something i know from first hand, but no reason to take my word from it, as other board members know as well.
I visited Natalie1985 in Liverpool last year (March 05), and she showed me her Imodium which had lactose in it. I was in Ireland in August 05 to visit Nat and Cailin from the boards as well, and bought Imodium, which I found contained lactose in it as well. Nat, Cailin and I all lamented the fact that there was lactose in a lot of pills over there when we met up in August. 
Also I was in France in October 2005, and was prescribed Imodium which had lactose in it. I have dual citizenship (US and France) and I get free medical care in France, where my family is from. Tho I was there for my aunt's funeral, I see the doctor when I'm there, and got perscribed pain management (which had lactose), Imodium (with lactose) and anti-spasmodics with lactose as well. I had to go the liquid rout at the pharmacy (no lactose, but alcohol in the pain stuff)! Oh well, if it's not one thing, it's another.
~nelly~
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