diphenoxylate/atropine – oral, Lomotil
USES: This medication reduces diarrhea by decreasing bowel movements. It slows the movement of the intestines. Diphenoxylate is similar to narcotic pain relievers but mainly slows the gut. Atropine belongs to a class of drugs known as anticholinergics, which dry up body fluids and slow gut movement.
HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth, usually 4 times a day or as directed by your doctor. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. In children, dosage is also based on weight. If you need to continue treatment once your diarrhea is controlled, your doctor may direct you to lower your dosage. Do not increase your dose, take it more often, or use it for longer than prescribed. A liquid formulation is available for use in children. Use only the dropper that comes with the bottle to measure each dose. Drink the proper amount of fluids and minerals to prevent dehydration. Change to a bland diet to reduce irritation to your stomach/intestines. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information. This medication may cause withdrawal reactions if used regularly for a long time or in high doses. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details, and report any withdrawal reactions immediately. Inform your doctor if your condition does not improve after 2 days.
SIDE EFFECTS: Drowsiness, dizziness, headache, tiredness, blurred vision, dry mouth, and loss of appetite may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist. Serious side effects may include stomach/abdominal pain or swelling, severe nausea, vomiting, mental/mood changes, restlessness, and numbness/tingling of arms/legs. Seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including rash, itching/swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. Contact your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
PRECAUTIONS: Before taking diphenoxylate with atropine, inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to either drug or if you have any other allergies. This medication is not recommended if you have certain medical conditions such as liver disease, certain types of infections, or a certain type of bowel disease. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about your medical history, especially if you have current dehydration or mineral imbalance or a certain type of bowel disease. This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or use machinery until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Caution should be used in children, particularly those with Down’s syndrome. This medication should only be used during pregnancy when clearly needed and should be used cautiously while breastfeeding. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first. This drug should not be used with ambenonium or pramlintide. Tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you are using, especially MAO inhibitors, naltrexone, potassium tablets/capsules, and drugs that cause drowsiness. Check the labels on all your medications because they may contain drowsiness-causing ingredients. This document does not contain all possible interactions. Keep a list of all your medications and share it with your doctor and pharmacist.
QUESTION
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include severe drowsiness, muscle weakness, fast heartbeat, high fever, unusually fast/slow/irregular breathing, seizures, or loss of consciousness.
NOTES: Do not share this medication with others. It is against the law. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Store this medication at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not freeze the liquid. Keep all medicines away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details on how to safely discard your product.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First Databank, Inc. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider and is not for distribution, except as may be authorized by the applicable terms of use.
CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. It is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions, or adverse effects. Consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking any drug, changing any diet, or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.
