Loperamide Use After Ileostomy: Long-Term or Temporary?

I had my ileostomy about 5 months ago. I was prescribed Loperamide (Imodium dispersibles) to thicken the contents of the stoma. I take 8 tablets daily, i.e., 16 mg daily. Will I have to continue to take Loperamide long term, or will there come a time when the dosage will be lowered or I will not have to take it at all? I would be grateful to hear from others in a similar situation. Thank you.

Have you tried different foods such as mashed potatoes, bread, or Bengals, or other foods that would help thicken it up?

Hi Janko, welcome to the site. I use foods like peanut butter, applesauce, and cheese. I also use psyllium fiber in smoothies.

Hi!

I'm 1.5 years out from surgery. I am still on the 4 tabs 4 times a day, morphine, and Octreotide injections once a month in addition to eating foods to help thicken and using a fiber supplement.

That said, everyone is different.

Only time will tell; no two people are the same in the bag game. Have you had any small bowel removed or tried lowering the dose or going without for a day or two when you're at home to see how it goes without? I have loose output, not high, from having a large piece of small bowel removed. Doctors say I should take loperamide, but I manage fine without it.

Words of Encouragement from Ostomy Advocates I Hollister

I'm not really one to answer at the moment as I'm having trouble getting my flow right.

I've not taken loperamide; if I try to thicken my flow, I have scrambled eggs or an omelet, and that usually helps, also marshmallows.

I take loperamide when I'm going to be away from home for any length of time. At home, I use applesauce, bananas, smooth PB, and marshmallows.