Ileostomies and medications

[jrinehart007]

Hello! Is there an approved "safe" list regarding medications with ileostomates? I've been asked if Tylenol with guaifenesin is safe.

[Shamrock4806]

I'm no expert but since an illeostmy is basically a new rectum and at the end of the line, most medications I would think will have little effect.

What I would watch out for is anything that could cause runaway diarrhea which would make putting on a replacement appliance about impossible. Cause dehydration issues and so forth.

Before trying anything new, I would try it on a very limited basis first to see how the stoma reacts.

Perhaps research the side effects of anything first.

Don't forget to take your vitamins, B complex especially. Urine should be a light yellow, so don't overdo them as dark urine or no urine is usually a sign of dehydration.

[NEskier]

I'm not sure what you mean by 'safe'. I'm just into year 40 of an ileostomy. I have taken all kinds of medications over the years depending on what my health required. What I DO avoid is anything in a capsule, coated tablets or time release since those are intended to function from the large intestine. Beyond that, no problems with Tylenol and most OTC pain relievers. Don't let them give you laxatives! I was in for something last year and asked the nurse what he had in his hand. Laxative since I was on opiods .... I asked if they planned to kill me! You will find you have to be your own advocate and teacher to those unfamiliar with the ostomy.

[sandys]

I’ve had my ileo for 60-odd years and take all forms of meds. Capsules, coated tablets,extended release,etc. no problems with any.

[DWoboyle]

My nurses recommended to take chewable vitamin substitutes since they apparently are easier to absorb without a large intestine, but in terms of other meds, I haven't noticed any issues or particular effects on my stoma/stoma area.

[dtknoxville]

My surgeon at Vanderbilt has told me to crush all tablets after getting each one cleared by my pharmacist. Capsules and liquids when available.

[Shamrock4806]

My surgeon at Vanderbilt has told me to crush all tablets after getting each one cleared by my pharmacist. Capsules and liquids when available.

Tablets do run a risk of possibly not being digested and may become stuck..Everything is depending if the stomach digests it or not..


In my opinion it's likely best to error on the side of caution and break them up smaller just to avoid anything possible occurring.

I had a clog once and it was extremely painful. Good thing I was observant and noticed something was wrong and went to the ER. When the pain hit they rushed in and put me out cold and it cleared itself on its own without needing any further assistance.

So after that experience I highly recommend everything should be minced or smaller. Sometimes even chewing isn't good enough, I had whole black beans pop out of the stoma today.

[ileo73]

I’ve been told to stay away from laxatives. This came up when I was getting an endoscopy.

I’ve never been sure how well tablets dissolve in my gut. I’ve never seen part of a tablet in output. On the other hand, if I have an option to buy liquid vs tablet, I get liquid.

[Diane C]

I have other conditions aside from my ileostomy. It's been a REAL challenge to find meds that can help me because of lack of absorption. For example, probably due to many abdominal surgeries, I now have Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency. The supposed solution is an enzyme like Creon. They come in capsule form and so do others. The instructions specifically say not to open the capsule -- the contents can burn. I get the sense they don't work. I'm working with my doctor to find something that helps me.

Liquid Imodium doesn't help me AT ALL. The turquoise liquid pours out of my stoma. Does anyone else take Imodium to help prevent diarrhea? I was taking Diphenoxylate tablets to help with my heavy output but it's contraindicated with other meds and together they can lead to sleepiness. So much so that my internist advised me to take Allegra for allergies which don't put me to sleep. I'm fine when I drive but konk out so early when watching tv or trying to read.

Maybe a compounding pharmacy can help; they can be innovative but also costly! This is a good subject! I've asked pharmacists about my meds and they don't have the answer.

Btw, I find that Tylenol and Advil work fine as do antibiotics when I need them -- so some meds DO work, esp in tablet form.

[xctm1]

I have a 20 yr old ileostomy (no colon), I know Er meds do not work 'cos I have seen and felt them in my output. I have also seen corn, beans and other hard to digest items in my output. I get my meds from the VA and periodically review my meds with the pharmacy tech and my doctor, but it seems like every time we speak, I have to remind them about my condition and the fact that some meds just go right thru me. I think the take away from all that is "Keep reminding your doctors and providers that you have special needs." Take care.