I'm seeking comments from anyone with experience taking OTC Imodium (loperamide) to reduce wateriness of stool. How well does it work? Does it thicken output too much? How much and how often do you take it? Any side effects? My goal would be to reduce the prospect of dehydration from losing so much liquid in discharge. Appreciate any feedback. Thanks.

Taking Imodium?

Paradoxikon

Jun 17, 2025 4:47 am

I took loperamide for about a year after my operation, and it did work. During that time, I noticed that what I ate made it worse or less. So since then, I have stopped the loperamide and used food to control the flow. I prefer doing this, for it helps me be conscious of my eating habits.

Loperamide worked well, and I did not have any symptoms and was not too conscious of my eating habits.
If I lose control and have more than a day of too much liquid, I take one loperamide and eat food that thickens the stool.

It works for me,

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OstoElmer

Jun 18, 2025 7:39 pm

I'm so happy to see someone posting ml! I also take liquid Imodium, and it's difficult to understand how much liquid is mg. I take 10 ml 3 times a day and need to increase slowly. I'm still at 2-2 1/2 liters output a day. I'm on 1-2 liters of saline in IV daily. I have a PICC line I had for TPN, finally finished with TPN but use saline so I don't get dehydrated. The more I drink, the more comes out in the bag, not in urine. Frustrating

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corky

Jun 20, 2025 6:56 pm

My husband was advised to use Metamucil. It is a plant-based natural fiber and sounds like it would be better for you than taking Immodium. The doctor said there are no side effects of taking Metamucil every day because it is made from plant fiber. It definitely thickens up the output. You may have to play with the amount depending on what you eat, i.e., rice, pasta, and other thickeners. Start with a teaspoon in the morning and see how it goes. My husband takes about 1/2 teaspoon in water daily, and it really helps thicken up the output. I think the dosage on the package is one tablespoon, but that may be too much.

Taking imodium?