Diphenoxylate/Atropine (By mouth)
dye-fen-OX-i-late hye-droe-KLOR-ide, AT-roe-peen SUL-fate
Treats diarrhea.
Drug classes
Antidiarrheal (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Diphenoxylate and atropine is a combination medicine used along with other measures to treat severe diarrhea in adults. Diphenoxylate helps stop diarrhea by slowing down the movements of the intestines.
Since diphenoxylate is chemically related to some narcotics, it may be habit-forming if taken in doses that are larger than prescribed. To help prevent possible abuse, atropine (an anticholinergic) has been added. If higher than normal doses of the combination are taken, the atropine will cause unpleasant effects, making it unlikely that such doses will be taken again.
Diphenoxylate and atropine combination medicine should not be used in children. Children with diarrhea should be given solutions of carbohydrates (sugars) and important salts (electrolytes) to replace the water, sugars, and important salts that are lost from the body during diarrhea. For more information on these solutions, see the Carbohydrates and Electrolytes (Systemic) monograph.
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Liquid, Tablet
Your doctor will tell you how much to take and how often.
Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup.
Drink plenty of caffeine-free, clear liquids such as ginger ale, tea, water, gelatin, or broth during the first 24 hours.
If a dose is missed:
Take the missed dose as soon as possible.
Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next regular dose.
You should not use two doses at the same time.
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:
Store at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not freeze the oral liquid.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Make sure your doctor knows if you are taking any drugs that could make you sleepy such as antidepressants, strong pain killers, cold and allergy medicine, or tranquilizers.
Tell your doctor if you are also taking an MAO inhibitor such as Marplan®, Parnate®, Nardil®, or Eldepryl®.
When Not To Use
You should not use this medicine if you ever had an allergic reaction to atropine or diphenoxylate.
Warnings
Talk with your doctor before taking if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have liver or kidney disease, colitis, or other medical problems.
This medicine may cause drowsiness. Be careful if you drive a car or use machinery.
You should not use this medicine more often or in larger doses than your doctor ordered.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Severe constipation with bloating
Irregular or fast heartbeat
Trouble breathing
Decreased or no urine for more than 8 hours
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Drowsiness, dizziness, or restlessness
Dry mouth
Blurred vision
Trouble urinating
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Lomocot, Lomotil, Lonox, Vi-Atro
There may be other brand names for this medicine.