Imodium Multi-Symptom Relief

That's interesting. I know that my pouch is often unable to distinguish between gas and stool. Either will often produce the exact same sensation.

I'm on flagyl though, which proscribes using antacids. Not sure if simethicone would be an offending type of reactant. Are anti-gas and antacids the same? I'll check with my doc to see.

Personally, I think aome of my rectal pain after several bowel movements is from explosive gas. The shear violence of the release is an irritant, I think. So anything to reduce gas would be a good thing.

No, simethicone is not an antacid, so you don't need to restrict it if you have antacid restrictions.

As an aside though, there is no precaution regarding an interaction between Flagyl and antacids (or dairy). I looked it up to be sure. Perhaps you were thinking about Cipro or tetracycline, which do interact with the antacids and dairy. Not all antibiotics are the same in this regard.

Jan

Jan,

My flagyl bottle has a label that says "Do not take antacids while taking this medication."

Also, my doctor confirmed this when I complained of acid reflux.

Are you sure of your sources?

Hmmmm.... just did a google search of flagyl and antibiotics, and didn't see an obvious warning against combining them.

I wonder if the pharmacy put the warning label on by mistake. There are six of them, warning against everything from exposure to gravity to breathing oxygen. LOL.

And, when my Dr. confirmed the interaction, it was in the context of him asking me if I was taking antacids, and me responding, "No, because of the antibiotics I take" to which he responded, "That is correct." So, he may have not been focused on flagyl being the antibiotic specifically....

If I CAN take antacids with the flagyl, that will be a good thing.

Your pharmacist is probably a better guide for drug/food interactions than your doctor, since they have it all cross referenced on their computers. Doctors really don't keep track of it all. I checked my Flagyl container and it even recommends taking with meals if it causes upset (antibiotics that interact are prescribed to be taken on an empty stomach and to avoid dairy and antacids). I think the pharmacy tech just went overboard with the stickers!

Even the big alcohol interaction warnings is not universal for all people. It is an assumption based on the chemical similarity to Antibuse, which causes severe nausea and vomiting (aversion therapy for alcoholics). I experimented and found there was no such effect for me. I now enjoy my wine when I have to take it. If you want to experiment, do it at home and with just a small amount of alcohol. I do know of one member here who did have the reaction, and it was pretty immediate.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12022894

Jan

I used to enjoy a beer now and then, but have not since taking flagyl. About a year and a half or so.

Luckily, it is neither here nor there for me if I drink alcohol so it isn't an issue. For those who enjoy wine or a cocktail, I can see how it would be a bummer.

"Don't have any fun or enjoy life while taking this medication."