DIPHENOXYLATE/ATROPINE - ORAL

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DIPHENOXYLATE/ATROPINE - ORAL

PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (DYE-fen-OX-i-late/AT-roe-peen)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Lomotil

GENERIC NAME(S): diphenoxylate HCl/atropine sulfate

Uses

USES: This medication is used to treat diarrhea. It helps to decrease the number and frequency of bowel movements. It works by slowing the movement of the intestines. Diphenoxylate is similar to narcotic pain relievers, but it acts mainly to slow the gut. Atropine belongs to a class of drugs known as anticholinergics, which help to dry up body fluids and also slow gut movement. This medication should not be used to treat diarrhea caused by certain types of infection (such as Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea following antibiotic therapy). Talk to your doctor for more details. This medication is not recommended for use in children younger than 6 years due to an increased risk of serious side effects (such as breathing problems).


How to use DIPHENOXYLATE/ATROPINE - ORAL

HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth, usually 4 times a day or as directed by your doctor. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. In children, the 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. If you are using the liquid form of this medication, carefully measure the dose using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose. It is important that you drink the proper amount of fluids and minerals (electrolytes) to prevent loss of body water (dehydration). Tell your doctor right away if you develop signs of dehydration (e.g., extreme thirst, decreased urination, muscle cramps, weakness, fainting). You may also need to change to a bland diet during this time to reduce irritation to your stomach/intestines. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information. This medication may cause withdrawal reactions, especially if it has been used regularly for a long time or in high doses. In such cases, withdrawal symptoms (such as stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting) may occur if you suddenly stop using this medication. To prevent withdrawal reactions, your doctor may reduce your dose gradually. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details, and report any withdrawal reactions right away. Inform your doctor if your condition does not improve after 2 days.

Side Effects

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 promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: stomach/abdominal pain or swelling, severe nausea, vomiting, mental/mood changes (e.g., confusion, depression, restlessness), numbness/tingling of arms/legs. Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: eye pain/swelling/redness, vision changes (such as seeing rainbows around lights at night). A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking diphenoxylate with atropine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to either drug; or to hyoscyamine; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease (e.g., obstructive jaundice, cirrhosis), loss of too much body water (dehydration), mineral imbalance, a certain type of bowel disease (acute ulcerative colitis), personal or family history of glaucoma (angle-closure type). This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Alcohol or marijuana can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana. Liquid forms of this product may contain alcohol. Caution is advised if you have alcohol dependence or liver disease. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about using this product safely. Children, particularly those with Down's syndrome, may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug. Very serious (possibly fatal) effects may occur if too much of this medication is taken by children. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Some products that may interact with this drug are: pramlintide, MAO inhibitors (isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline, safinamide, selegiline, tranylcypromine), naltrexone, potassium tablets/capsules. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other products that cause drowsiness such as opioid pain or cough relievers (such as codeine, hydrocodone), alcohol, marijuana, drugs for sleep or anxiety (such as alprazolam, lorazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants (such as carisoprodol, cyclobenzaprine), or antihistamines (such as cetirizine, diphenhydramine). Check the labels on all your medicines (such as allergy or cough-and-cold products) because they may contain ingredients that cause drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist about using those products safely.

Overdose

OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: severe drowsiness, muscle weakness, fast heartbeat, high fever, unusually fast/slow/irregular breathing, seizures, loss of consciousness.

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Faq for DIPHENOXYLATE/ATROPINE - ORAL

Diphenoxylate/atropine is used to treat diarrhea.

Diphenoxylate works by slowing down the movement of the intestines, while atropine helps to decrease stomach acid production and reduce spasms in the digestive system.

It is generally not recommended to use diphenoxylate/atropine during pregnancy, as it may pose risks to the unborn baby. It is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before taking this medication.

Diphenoxylate/atropine is usually prescribed for adults and not recommended for children under the age of 2. It is important to follow the dosage instructions provided by a healthcare professional for pediatric patients.

Common side effects include dizziness, drowsiness, constipation, dry mouth, blurred vision, and decreased sweating. Inform your doctor if these side effects persist or worsen.

In rare cases, diphenoxylate/atropine may cause serious side effects such as severe constipation, abdominal pain, bloating, severe dizziness, rapid heartbeat, or difficulty urinating. If any of these symptoms occur, seek immediate medical attention.

Diphenoxylate has a potential for abuse and addiction. It should be used only as directed by a healthcare professional and not be shared with others.

Diphenoxylate/atropine can interact with many other drugs, including alcohol, sedatives, tranquilizers, and certain antidepressants. Inform your doctor about all the medications you are currently taking to avoid any potential interactions.

The medication typically takes about 48 hours to take effect in reducing diarrhea symptoms. If there is no improvement after a few days, consult your doctor.

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Disclaimer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.