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What Causes Diarrhea While On Loperamide?

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Posted on Mon, 17 Jul 2017
Question: Yes, my wife continues to suffer from diarrhea, associated with chronic opioid use. Recently she has even soiled to bed due to unexpected or sudden diarrhea. She has had a lot of tests but are lacking any solutions to the problem. Currently taking loperamide 2 mg. 8 x day an it's not helping. Please help us.
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doctor
Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Has her stool and diet been evaluated? For how long has this been going on?

Detailed Answer:
HI and thanks so much for this query.

I will like to obtain some more details from you.

1. For how long has this been going on?
2. Opioids often cause constipation and not diarrhea. Can you tell me who said this diarrhea is related to chronic opioids use?
3. Has his stool been evaluated for infections, and inability to adequately digest and absorb nutrients from the gut?


I hope to hear from you on this. I will then factor these in to provide a personalized and helpful response to you.

Waiting...
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Chobufo Ditah (50 minutes later)
Been going on for 3-4 years. Doctor diagnosed problem from opioid use. Getting worse every year. 3 months ago gall bladder removed, was about to burst. Recent cat scans and endoscope search of large and small intestine. All they say they found was inflammation of small intestine. No tests on feces yet...don't know why it's gotten so much worse. We live in Oregon but are visiting in Arizona, so it's hard to see doctor. Please help.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Suggest you get a biopsy of the intestines!

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

These symptoms and the trend is so atypical. I will suggest that you see a gastroenterologist to look into the intestines with a camera. During this cause, pieces of tissue should be taken and sent to the laboratory for investigation. This will tell us what the exact problem with the digesting and absorbing surface would be. Also, stool should be analyzed to see whether it is possible that she has poor digestion and/or poor absorption.

I hope this helps. I wish your wife well. Keep me posted on this.
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng
doctor
Answered by
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Dr. Chobufo Ditah

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2009

Answered : 6323 Questions

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What Causes Diarrhea While On Loperamide?

Brief Answer: Has her stool and diet been evaluated? For how long has this been going on? Detailed Answer: HI and thanks so much for this query. I will like to obtain some more details from you. 1. For how long has this been going on? 2. Opioids often cause constipation and not diarrhea. Can you tell me who said this diarrhea is related to chronic opioids use? 3. Has his stool been evaluated for infections, and inability to adequately digest and absorb nutrients from the gut? I hope to hear from you on this. I will then factor these in to provide a personalized and helpful response to you. Waiting...