Anti-Diarrheal
Your doctor may prescribe an anti-diarrheal to help control some of your symptoms. There are a few different types of drug that fit this classification; the most common over-the-counter variety of these is loperamide, which is most commonly known under the brand name Imodium.
Loperamide works by slowing down the processes of the large and small bowel, which results in food matter being held in the system for longer periods of time and greater amounts of water being absorbed into the body. This action not only helps the consistency of bowel movements, but may also reduce the number of bowel movements a Crohn’s patient may experience daily.
Another medication prescribed for diarrhea in Crohn’s patients is cholestyramine, which is marketed under the name Questran or Questran Light (the sugar free version). This medication is normally prescribed for patients with high cholesterol, as its function also binds lipids and helps to control them in the body.
Cholestyramine may be prescribed post-resection, as the patient’s newly joined segments of bowel may not yet have adapted to their new role and will require help in the absorption of water from the bowel.