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chronic diarrhoea

Posted , 4 users are following.

pat00533
pat00533

I've been taking lansoprazole for several months because I was experiencing symptoms of reflux - heartburn upon waking, excessive phlegm in the back of my throat and feelings of nausea.  Three weeks ago I started to get diarrhoea which is ongoing.  It usually happens very early in the morning and then in the evening - so usually twice a day.  I don't know if it is the lansoprazole that is causing this, or the fact that to help with the phlegm in my throat I begain chewing sugar-free gum several weeks ago as it seemed to help to clear it.  I have since discovered that sugar-free gum contains sorbitol which I understand can have a laxative effect.  I was probably chewing about 8 pieces a day.  I have visited my GP who has prescribed loperamide - I have been using this for 2 days but it hasn't really changed anything - I still have diarrhoea twice a day.  I don't seem to be allowed to have any tests until I have had diarrhoea for 6 weeks (4 weeks if there's blood which for me there isn't).  Is anyone having any similar experiences as I do feel very worried that it could be something serious.

0 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • julie10706
    julie10706 pat00533

    Posted

    Pat

    I know from experience that anything containing sortibol has that effect on your stomach, and should only be used occasionally !!

     

    • pat00533
      pat00533 julie10706

      Posted

      Thanks for that.  I've stopped chewing gum, and am now wondering if it will take some time for my gut to settle down - fingers crossed!
  • amarvishnu
    amarvishnu pat00533

    Posted

    Sorbitol is known to be a laxative, don't chew gum containing it.

    Lansoprazole and all other PPI's can affect digestion and hence leave you prone to some form of diarrhoea.

    I find Ranitidine (Zantac) an old and safer form of PPI, less likely to cause adverse reactions.

    Loperamide doesn't sove the problem of incomplete digestion (from taking PPI's0 but I am surprised it doesn't stop the diarrhoea.

     

    • pat00533
      pat00533 amarvishnu

      Posted

      Thanks for that;  I think I'll ask my GP if I could change my PPI to Ranitidine. 
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