The topic at hand is about the safe dosage of loperamide for individuals with an ileostomy. Loperamide is a medication often used to manage diarrhea by slowing down gut movement, which can be particularly useful for those with an ileostomy to control output. Here are some insights and advice shared by others:

1. Typical prescriptions suggest taking 2 mg tablets, with a common recommendation being 2 tablets three times a day, totaling 12 mg in 24 hours. Some advice not to exceed 8 tablets in a day unless a doctor advises otherwise.

2. Over-the-counter guidelines usually recommend a maximum of 8 mg per day. However, with medical supervision, some doctors may allow up to 16 mg per day.

3. Personal experiences vary:
- One person found success with 2 tablets in the morning and 2 at night, totaling 8 mg per day.
- Another started with 32 mg per day after surgery and later reduced to 4 mg per day.
- Someone has been taking about 20 mg per day for 15 years on a stoma nurse's advice without side effects.
- A member experimenting with small doses found that 2 mg once or twice daily effectively reduced output by half, but higher doses led to very thick output and "pancaking."

4. Safety considerations include:
- Only exceed the recommended dosage on the box if advised by a doctor, as too much can mimic an intestinal blockage.
- High doses might increase the risk of dehydration if the output remains high.
- It's important to monitor stoma output and adjust the next day's dose based on the volume and thickness.

5. Loperamide is the generic name for the medication, while Imodium is the branded version, which contains the same active ingredient but is typically more expensive.

6. Possible side effects that have been mentioned or questioned include constipation-like blockage, excessive thickening or pancaking of output, and dehydration. Members are curious about what other side effects might occur.

These insights can help guide those with an ileostomy in managing their loperamide dosage safely and effectively. Always consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.