Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards | Sudafed, Excedrin and IBS

I'm new to the board, but not to IBS ... But my sister is new to IBS. For several years she has been having serious health issues that almost always progress in the same manner. In particular, she has EXTREME weakness (can't even get out of bed herself) and fatigue which lasts for months. Intestinal issues are also a part of these episodes, but usually show up after the extreme weakness, not before.

IV Fluid therapy does not provide the relief she needs because her body flushes out the sodium along with the fluid. She cannot retain sodium (or any of the essential electrolytes) or Vitamin D and has to take large amounts of salt pills and D supplements daily. She has had repeated bouts of C-diff and diverticulitis which has lead to chronic IBS.

Very often, these weakness/fatigue episodes seem to appear within a few days after taking OTC medication, in particular, Sudafed and/or Excedrin. Does anyone know if these drugs would be the cause an accelerated loss of sodium, which would bring about the weakness/fatigue? Do they inhibit absorption of sodium in the gut? If her guts are not happy from either candida or IBS or both, is it possible that Sudafed / Excedrin would cause such a reaction?

Thank you for any input you might have.
Muddypaw

Print Remind Me Notify Moderator