I have had diarrhea for a year and half, and I have been taking Imodium for it. Is there any problem with using this medication over the long term? I have been to a doctor about my diarrhea. He wanted to do a barium enema, but I chickened out.

Howard

Chronic diarrhea, defined as lasting longer than three to four weeks, often is an indicator of an underlying problem such as metabolic disease, infection, a tumor or an inflammatory problem in the intestine. A large number of diagnostic tests are available to evaluate chronic diarrhea (including blood tests, stool tests, scans and endoscopic exams).

Often, while the diagnostic work-up is in progress, medications, such as Imodium, are given to help relive the patient's diarrhea. Just because your diarrhea responds to this medication (or others like it) does not mean you should abandon testing to determine the cause of the diarrhea. Often the diarrhea will quickly return if the medications are stopped.

It is generally safe to take Imodium and similar medications in recommended doses over the long term. However, the real danger lies in failing to find out what is responsible for your diarrhea. By delaying diagnosis, you could be allowing cancer or another potentially dangerous disease to progress.

A barium enema is one test used in evaluating the colon. It is often used in the place of colonoscopy to look for tumors of the colon. However, it is much less useful than colonoscopy in evaluating diarrhea since it cannot be used to take tissue samples. I would recommend that you follow up with your doctor and continue the diagnostic work-up for your symptoms. It would also be helpful to seek the consultation of a gastroenterologist experienced in evaluating chronic diarrhea.