Another stupid question...

Norway · Nov 24th, 2006, 03:38

Everybody here recommend Imodium when going to India. Some days ago I read, can't remember where, that you should not use Imodium when getting ill. It was said it can do you worse. Is it true???

C.

Casey · Nov 24th, 2006, 08:04

You should only use it if you need to travel as it only masks the symptoms and doesn't cure the underlying problem. I used it when I was travelling down the mountain from Darjeerling in a shared jeep. I didn't think the rest of the passengers would appreciate stopping every 1/2 hour.

machadinha · Nov 24th, 2006, 10:26

Sound advice. A little more detailed, it will just plug you up. Your body however is trying to get rid of something and for good reason. So it's not a cure, just to stop the symptoms, which can be handy for extended journeys. Other than that, taking a rest and eating non-irritating food (and fasting for a day or two if you must) is the better option. In case of extended or more serious symptoms (repeated issue of blood or pus etc.), please consult a doctor. Immodium may aggravate this as the bacteria or whatever is involved are not coming out. In the case of amoebic dysentery or similar serious afflictions this may soon turn fatal. Take extra care with children too. (Diarrhoea btw will lead to quick dehydration which is a problem in adults and certainly in children & you may overlook the problem because of your condition.)

The stuff really plugs you up btw (think a day or two), I'm surprised that these days it's sold over the counter here.

btw I think the "recommended" is a little overrated, as you can see from the above you'll seldom need it if ever. It's one of those things that you may like to have on you though when you need it. Better safe than sorry right, and it's not something you'll want to go looking for a drugstore at your leisure for.

Nick-H · Nov 24th, 2006, 11:32

A lot of these things are just comforting to know you have it with you. Well, for someone like me who travels with everything they are!

But, unless you suffer the same kind of deep-seated insecurity

--- really you needn't bother. You can get any driver, or a boy at your hotel or guest house, to nip to a medicals shop for you and will be able to buy two or three capsules, instead of investing in a whole box.

machadinha · Nov 24th, 2006, 11:46

The pills are expensive yes. Again, the nature of the affliction doesn't really file them under the "I'll look for them when I need them" dept. though. This is not aspirin. You'll pretty much need them then and there. (Well technically you'll have figured out a few hours before that you're not well. Between checking out of your hotel and heading for the station, visiting some drugstore will probably not really be the first thing on your mind. Nor will waiting for some wallah who may or may not return.)

It's possible, just I'd say carry them with you. Leave all those drugs you didn't use with some local hotel, they'll know who to give it to.

Nick-H · Nov 24th, 2006, 19:19

There's a drugstore on every street, just about. Probably several. It really is that easy.

But for those days when it's hardly worth pulling the trousers up --- yes, it would be nice not to have to go out!

I used to bring everything 'just in case' --- I even used to bring biscuits! It would be easy to say that I live here, so of course I find these things easy to buy: but that was the lesson I learnt! What a total waste of space and weight all that stuff I used to carry around was!

Actually Immodium doesn't work well for me, and I do keep a supply of something I get from UK that does do the trick. Just in case!

cyberhippie · Nov 24th, 2006, 19:35

I agree with both Mach and Nick easy to buy in India, I can't think of anywhere I've been that didn't have a medicine shop.

Having said that it's just as easy to buy a couple of capsules when you arrive and carry them around with you!!

Nick-H · Nov 24th, 2006, 19:37

Hah! Cyberhippie has hit on the great compromise!!!!!

machadinha · Nov 25th, 2006, 07:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nick-H

Actually Immodium doesn't work well for me, and I do keep a supply of something I get from UK that does do the trick. Just in case!

Brand names? Sounds handy.

Casey · Nov 25th, 2006, 07:38

Loperimide is the generic name for Imodium and I believe that is the name it is sold under in Asian drugstores.

SANJAY_DEL · Nov 25th, 2006, 07:45

Imodium Capsules are available in India, as also generic brands of Loperamide. But max 2 capsules should be taken in 24 hours.
To avoid dehydration and loss of vital salts in the vomit or diarrhea, ORS should be taken. It is available as Electral or Wallyte and each sachet is to be mixed in a liter of water.

Nick-H · Nov 25th, 2006, 12:06

Ok, ok... I use an old-fashioned preparation called Kaolin and morphine mixture. Don't worry about the name, it has so little of the latter ingredient in it that it is an over-the-counter non-prescription medicine in UK.

But do worry about the weight! A glass-bottle medicine is going to take up more space and weight than a few capsules. If immodium works for you (and I guess it does for most) then stick with it.

Soniyamystical · Nov 26th, 2006, 00:14

HI

I just got back from India, I never needed the immodium or anything..didn't have any problems. I just took precautions, like not eating street foods, drinking bottled water, eating from well known clean restaurants, eating non spicy foods, no milk products..it worked..

SANJAY_DEL · Nov 26th, 2006, 00:30

Kaolin and Pectin mixture used to be widely available in India until recently, without the morphine. If you can bring it across from a local pharmacy, it is essentially safe and effective.
Regarding dairy products, avoid milk and eggs. Eggs can harbor salmonella infection, leading to typhoid fever.
Curds and yoghurt are actually good for u on an upset tummy as they do restore the balance of flora in the intestines.
I hope that wasn't too tech-ish, and useful info!
Eat, drink, enjoy; but do stay healthy.

Norway · Nov 26th, 2006, 02:20

Hiya all,

Thanks in a million for all your answers. Tuesday I will go to the vaccination-office and get all my "shots". I am very sure the people there will give me some good advices too.

The visas came yesterday too, so I will very soon be ready!

C.

Nov 24th, 2006, 03:38	#1
Norway Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Norway Posts: 149	Another stupid question... Everybody here recommend Imodium when going to India. Some days ago I read, can't remember where, that you should not use Imodium when getting ill. It was said it can do you worse. Is it true??? C.

Nov 24th, 2006, 10:26	#3
machadinha Not Your Guru Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: yörp Posts: 10,917	Sound advice. A little more detailed, it will just plug you up. Your body however is trying to get rid of something and for good reason. So it's not a cure, just to stop the symptoms, which can be handy for extended journeys. Other than that, taking a rest and eating non-irritating food (and fasting for a day or two if you must) is the better option. In case of extended or more serious symptoms (repeated issue of blood or pus etc.), please consult a doctor. Immodium may aggravate this as the bacteria or whatever is involved are not coming out. In the case of amoebic dysentery or similar serious afflictions this may soon turn fatal. Take extra care with children too. (Diarrhoea btw will lead to quick dehydration which is a problem in adults and certainly in children & you may overlook the problem because of your condition.) The stuff really plugs you up btw (think a day or two), I'm surprised that these days it's sold over the counter here. btw I think the "recommended" is a little overrated, as you can see from the above you'll seldom need it if ever. It's one of those things that you may like to have on you though when you need it. Better safe than sorry right, and it's not something you'll want to go looking for a drugstore at your leisure for. __________________ Reading tips, all picked up at IndiaMike : INDAX's A Comprehensive Guide To India / Dinoj Surendran's Desi Humor / ITHVC on Culture Shock & Travel Health / JetLag Travel Guides For the Undiscerning Traveller / India Travel Links Last edited by machadinha : Nov 24th, 2006 at 11:55.

Nov 24th, 2006, 11:32	#4
Nick-H Loud-mouthed, Noisy Bird Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Chennai, India Posts: 27,692	A lot of these things are just comforting to know you have it with you. Well, for someone like me who travels with everything they are! But, unless you suffer the same kind of deep-seated insecurity --- really you needn't bother. You can get any driver, or a boy at your hotel or guest house, to nip to a medicals shop for you and will be able to buy two or three capsules, instead of investing in a whole box. __________________ . Just one member of the IndiaMike Mod Team

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Nov 24th, 2006, 08:04	#2
Casey Maha Guru Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Ottawa, Canada Posts: 637	You should only use it if you need to travel as it only masks the symptoms and doesn't cure the underlying problem. I used it when I was travelling down the mountain from Darjeerling in a shared jeep. I didn't think the rest of the passengers would appreciate stopping every 1/2 hour.

Nov 24th, 2006, 11:46	#5
machadinha Not Your Guru Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: yörp Posts: 10,917	The pills are expensive yes. Again, the nature of the affliction doesn't really file them under the "I'll look for them when I need them" dept. though. This is not aspirin. You'll pretty much need them then and there. (Well technically you'll have figured out a few hours before that you're not well. Between checking out of your hotel and heading for the station, visiting some drugstore will probably not really be the first thing on your mind. Nor will waiting for some wallah who may or may not return.) It's possible, just I'd say carry them with you. Leave all those drugs you didn't use with some local hotel, they'll know who to give it to.

Nov 24th, 2006, 19:19	#6
Nick-H Loud-mouthed, Noisy Bird Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Chennai, India Posts: 27,692	There's a drugstore on every street, just about. Probably several. It really is that easy. But for those days when it's hardly worth pulling the trousers up --- yes, it would be nice not to have to go out! I used to bring everything 'just in case' --- I even used to bring biscuits! It would be easy to say that I live here, so of course I find these things easy to buy: but that was the lesson I learnt! What a total waste of space and weight all that stuff I used to carry around was! Actually Immodium doesn't work well for me, and I do keep a supply of something I get from UK that does do the trick. Just in case!

Nov 24th, 2006, 19:35	#7
cyberhippie Account Closed by User's Request Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: the Netherlands Posts: 6,012	I agree with both Mach and Nick easy to buy in India, I can't think of anywhere I've been that didn't have a medicine shop. Having said that it's just as easy to buy a couple of capsules when you arrive and carry them around with you!!

Nov 24th, 2006, 19:37	#8
Nick-H Loud-mouthed, Noisy Bird Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Chennai, India Posts: 27,692	Hah! Cyberhippie has hit on the great compromise!!!!!

Nov 25th, 2006, 07:38	#10
Casey Maha Guru Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Ottawa, Canada Posts: 637	Loperimide is the generic name for Imodium and I believe that is the name it is sold under in Asian drugstores.

Nov 25th, 2006, 07:45	#11
SANJAY_DEL Account Closed Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: NEW DELHI, INDIA Posts: 1,351	Imodium Capsules are available in India, as also generic brands of Loperamide. But max 2 capsules should be taken in 24 hours. To avoid dehydration and loss of vital salts in the vomit or diarrhea, ORS should be taken. It is available as Electral or Wallyte and each sachet is to be mixed in a liter of water.

Nov 25th, 2006, 12:06	#12
Nick-H Loud-mouthed, Noisy Bird Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Chennai, India Posts: 27,692	Ok, ok... I use an old-fashioned preparation called Kaolin and morphine mixture. Don't worry about the name, it has so little of the latter ingredient in it that it is an over-the-counter non-prescription medicine in UK. But do worry about the weight! A glass-bottle medicine is going to take up more space and weight than a few capsules. If immodium works for you (and I guess it does for most) then stick with it.

Nov 26th, 2006, 00:14	#13
Soniyamystical Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Canada Posts: 21	HI I just got back from India, I never needed the immodium or anything..didn't have any problems. I just took precautions, like not eating street foods, drinking bottled water, eating from well known clean restaurants, eating non spicy foods, no milk products..it worked..

Nov 26th, 2006, 00:30	#14
SANJAY_DEL Account Closed Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: NEW DELHI, INDIA Posts: 1,351	Kaolin and Pectin mixture used to be widely available in India until recently, without the morphine. If you can bring it across from a local pharmacy, it is essentially safe and effective. Regarding dairy products, avoid milk and eggs. Eggs can harbor salmonella infection, leading to typhoid fever. Curds and yoghurt are actually good for u on an upset tummy as they do restore the balance of flora in the intestines. I hope that wasn't too tech-ish, and useful info! Eat, drink, enjoy; but do stay healthy.

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Nov 26th, 2006, 02:20	#15
Norway Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Norway Posts: 149	Hiya all, Thanks in a million for all your answers. Tuesday I will go to the vaccination-office and get all my "shots". I am very sure the people there will give me some good advices too. The visas came yesterday too, so I will very soon be ready! C.