People react differently. Whichever one works better for you is the better one. Some people get cramping with one or the other, but most folks do fine. It sounds like you might still be better off with the antibiotics, though.

I've only used them in limited ways - especially before bed. Most folks who use them at maximum doses should try to find a treatable cause, if they can, IMO. I prefer Lomotil to Imodium.

I have been taking lommital for a few years had my scope done last week because of issues of going up to 16/ 20 times a 24 hour day, have been changing diet which is ok but doctor suggested a product called GASTRO STOP has made a BIG difference not sure if you have this brand over your way.but am still keeping appointment with dietician .not sure what one the difference is though Susan

Gastro-Stop is loperamide, the same as Imodium.

Well, more than one doctor has told me that Lomotil is better, but I swear that Imodium works a bit better for me. When I get above 10-12 b.m.'s per day (pouchitis flare up), I actually take both in rotation and if I have to travel, I have taken both at the same time. They're both good meds, but If you really want to differentiate, I would try both and see which one works best--maybe keep a log (no pun intended) for an objective analysis.
Also, if you go with Imodium, do a price check per pill to see if prescription or over the counter is cheaper. Costco has big bottles of the Kirkland brand.

Oh yeah, and I've never had a side effect from either!

The main ingredient in both lomotil and Imodium (loperamide) act in pretty much the same way. They are opioid derivatives that work in the opiate receptor for effect on the intestines. This is the side effect of all opiates that is usually a bad thing: constipation. They lack the pain relieving and euphoric effect in therapeutic doses. Even in high doses, there is no opiate withdrawal syndrome with loperamide, but there may be with lomotil, especially after high dose, long term use. That said, after a certain level, there is no useful added effect, so high doses are just money down the drain, so to speak.

It is said that Imodium actually actively increases water absorption, but I am not 100% sure of that. It also is known to improve resting sphincter pressure, which is good if you have a night time leakage issue, bad if you tend to strain against tight sphincters.

Lomotil also has a small amount of atropine added to prevent abuse (such as taking huge doses in an effort to get high). If you are very sensitive to atropine, it could give you heart palpitations, and the "jitters." On the other hand, atropine is an antispasmodic. But, the amount is really too low to be useful in that respect.

One other thing is that Lomotil is still a schedule V narcotic in the U.S. (it would be a schedule II without the atropine). The abuse potential is practically nil, but present, since the diphenoxylate portion does cross the blood-brain barrier (not true of Imodium). Plus, it is prescription only, while Imodium is over the counter. Basically, Imodium is just the safer drug overall. It is possible to put yourself into a coma by overdosing with Lomotil.

Bottom line, they are both very good, and as Scott said, the one that works for you is the best one for you. They have both been around for many decades, so they are well tested.

Jan

jan well i never have to concern myself with constipation..haha never has happened ever since colitus and now jpouch..thanks for explanation between two..