What is Diphenoxylate-Atropine: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated Jan 12, 2021  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Diphenoxylate-Atropine overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Lomotil, Lomotil

Generic Names:

  • Diphenoxylate-Atropine

Uses:

  • Treats diarrhea.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antidiarrheal

Forms:

  • Liquid, Tablet

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Diphenoxylate-Atropine used for?

Lomotil is a prescription-only medication that is used to treat diarrhea. This medication decreases the bowel movements to prevent the stool from being frequent and loose. Adults and children over 13 years old can use this medication

What form(s) does Diphenoxylate-Atropine come in

  • Liquid

  • Tablet

What are common Diphenoxylate-Atropine doses?

  • Tablet 2.5-0.025MG

  • Bottle 60ML of 2.5-0.025MG/5ML

Common Diphenoxylate-Atropine prescriptions

  • Diphenoxylate-Atropine
    60ml of 2.5-0.025mg/5ml bottle

  • Diphenoxylate-Atropine
    2.5-0.025mg tablet

How to take Diphenoxylate-Atropine

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

  • Oral liquid: Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.

  • Drink plenty of caffeine-free, clear liquids including ginger ale, tea, water, gelatin, or broth during the first 24 hours of treatment with this medicine.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

  • Oral liquid: Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.

  • Drink plenty of caffeine-free, clear liquids including ginger ale, tea, water, gelatin, or broth during the first 24 hours of treatment with this medicine.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

What to do if you miss a dose of Diphenoxylate-Atropine

  • You should not use two doses at the same time.

  • Take the missed dose as soon as possible.

  • Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next regular dose.

Diphenoxylate-Atropine contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to atropine or diphenoxylate, or if you have jaundice (yellow skin or eyes) or diarrhea caused by antibiotics or an infection, including sepsis.

Diphenoxylate-Atropine warnings

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease, kidney disease, stomach or bowel disease (including ulcerative colitis), or Down syndrome.

  • This medicine may cause the following problems:Respiratory depression (severe breathing problem)Serious stomach or bowel problems (including toxic megacolon)Liver problems

  • This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

  • This medicine can be habit-forming. Do not use more than your prescribed dose. Call your doctor if you think your medicine is not working.

  • Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.

Diphenoxylate-Atropine interactions

  • Some medicines can affect how difenoxin/atropine works. Tell your doctor if you are using an MAO inhibitor.

  • Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

  • Tell your doctor if you use anything else that makes you sleepy. Some examples are allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, and alcohol.

Diphenoxylate-Atropine side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Blue lips, fingernails, or skin, trouble breathing

  • Change in how much or how often you urinate

  • Confusion, drowsiness, anxiety, changes in mood or behavior, shaky hands, problems with speech

  • Extreme dizziness or weakness, shallow breathing, slow heartbeat, seizures, cold, clammy skin

  • Fast or uneven heartbeat

  • Severe constipation with bloating, red or black stools

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Headache

  • Trouble urinating

  • Dry mouth

  • Headache

  • Blurred vision