atropine and diphenoxylate

Generic Name: atropine and diphenoxylate (A troe peen and DYE fen OX i late)
Brand names: Lomotil, Lonox, Vi-Atro, Lomocot

Atropine affects the body in many different ways, such as reducing spasms in the bladder, stomach, and intestines.

Diphenoxylate is an antidiarrheal medication.

The combination of atropine and diphenoxylate is used to treat diarrhea.

Atropine and diphenoxylate may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Use only the liquid form of this medicine in a child younger than 13 years old. Do not give atropine and diphenoxylate tablets to a child under 13.

• jaundice (yellowing of your skin or eyes caused by a liver disorder);

• diarrhea that is caused by bacteria; or

• diarrhea caused by taking an antibiotic.

Before taking atropine and diphenoxylate, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• blocked intestines;

• an intestinal disorder such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease;

• liver disease;
• kidney disease;

• heart disease, heart rhythm problems, or high blood pressure;

• glaucoma;

• Down's syndrome;

• a thyroid disorder;

• problems with urination;

• an enlarged prostate;

• asthma or other lung problems; or

• if you are dehydrated;

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take atropine and diphenoxylate.

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Use only the liquid form of this medicine in a child younger than 13 years old. Do not give atropine and diphenoxylate tablets to a child under 13.

Measure liquid medicine with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Early overdose symptoms may include dry skin, dry mouth or nose, blurred vision, restless feeling, feeling too warm or cold, tingly feeling, and a fast heart rate.

Progressing symptoms of an atropine and diphenoxylate overdose include weakness, pinpoint pupils in the eyes, weak or shallow breathing, fainting, or coma. Report any early overdose symptoms to your doctor as soon as possible.

Cold or allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression or anxiety can add to sleepiness caused by atropine and diphenoxylate. Tell your doctor if you regularly use any of these other medicines.

Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise and in hot weather. Follow your doctor's instructions about the type and amount of liquids you should drink.

• stomach pain or bloating;

• ongoing or worsening diarrhea;

• diarrhea that is watery or bloody;

• numbness in your hands or feet;

• depressed mood;

• confusion, unusual thoughts or behavior;

• fast heart rate; or

• urinating less than usual or not at all.

Less serious side effects may include:

• drowsiness, dizziness, headache;

• tired or restless feeling;

• nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, loss of appetite; or

• skin rash, or itching.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Usual Adult Dose for Diarrhea:

Initial dose: 2 tablets (or 10 mL of liquid) orally 4 times a day.
Maintenance dose: 2 tablets (or 10 mL of liquid) once a day.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Diarrhea:

Initial Dose:
>= 2 years, < 3 years: 1.5 to 3 mL orally 4 times a day
>= 3 years, < 4 years: 2 to 3 mL orally 4 times a day
>= 4 years, < 5 years: 2 to 4 mL orally 4 times a day
>= 5 years, <6 years: 2.5 to 4.5 mL orally 4 times a day
>= 6 years, < 9 years: 2.5 to 5 mL orally 4 times a day
>= 9 years, < 13 years: 3.5 to 5 mL orally 4 times a day
>= 13 years, < 18 years: 10 mL orally 3 times a day, or 2 tablets orally 3 times a day

Maintenance Dose:
as low as one-fourth of the initial daily dose.

The liquid formulation should be used for children under 13 years of age.

Before taking atropine and diphenoxylate, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:

• a barbiturate such as amobarbital (Amytal), butabarbital (Butisol), mephobarbital (Mebaral), secobarbital (Seconal), or phenobarbital (Luminal, Solfoton); or

• an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), or tranylcypromine (Parnate).

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with atropine and diphenoxylate. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

• Your pharmacist can provide more information about atropine and diphenoxylate.

• Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
• Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

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