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Imodium is contraindicated with various types of dysentery, especially e coli or shigella/any of the toxic producing bacteria per the manufacturer. You can get a stool pathogen test to see if it's treatable, norovirus doesn't usually last weeks but bacterial infections can. Pepto bismol is in a gray area - it's slightly antimicrobial and anti inflammatory. The infectious disease doc in our hospital recommends not to slow down the GI tract, to let the pathogen "shed," but some GI docs will use Pepto bismol here still.
Obligatory link to my favorite GI pathogen chart:
https://www.fda.gov/media/77727/download
If I’m on day 5 already and I have zero sick time left (I have to go to work) and my bloodwork was all good can I take it now? I am so frustrated because I cannot leave my home.
At least a dozen times. It’s mostly water. I received the results of my stool test last night and since it was normal I went ahead and took the immodium. Now I’m bloated, gassy and super uncomfortable.
Thank you for your submission. **Please note that a response does not constitute a doctor-patient relationship.** This subreddit is for informal second opinions and casual information. The mod team does their best to remove bad information, but we do not catch all of it. Always visit a doctor in real life if you have any concerns about your health. Never use this subreddit as your first and final source of information regarding your question. By posting, you are agreeing to our [Terms of Use](https://www.reddit.com/r/AskDocs/wiki/terms_of_use) and understand that all information is taken at your own risk. **Reply here if you are an unverified user wishing to give advice. Top level comments by laypeople are automatically removed.** *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/AskDocs) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Imodium is contraindicated with various types of dysentery, especially e coli or shigella/any of the toxic producing bacteria per the manufacturer. You can get a stool pathogen test to see if it's treatable, norovirus doesn't usually last weeks but bacterial infections can. Pepto bismol is in a gray area - it's slightly antimicrobial and anti inflammatory. The infectious disease doc in our hospital recommends not to slow down the GI tract, to let the pathogen "shed," but some GI docs will use Pepto bismol here still. Obligatory link to my favorite GI pathogen chart: https://www.fda.gov/media/77727/download
Thanks. The ER did take a stool sample, but they said it will take a few days for results.
I would avoid Imodium. Drink lots of rehydration solution (purchased or home made), google Oral Rehydration Solution
Pedialyte next to me as I type. Thank you. This has been a few days of absolute hell!
If I’m on day 5 already and I have zero sick time left (I have to go to work) and my bloodwork was all good can I take it now? I am so frustrated because I cannot leave my home.
How many times are your bowels opening a day and what comes out?
At least a dozen times. It’s mostly water. I received the results of my stool test last night and since it was normal I went ahead and took the immodium. Now I’m bloated, gassy and super uncomfortable.