Diphenoxylate and Atropine (patient information)

Why this medication is prescribed
Diphenoxylate and atropine is used to control diarrhea.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How this medication should be used
Diphenoxylate and atropine comes as a tablet and liquid to take by mouth. It is usually taken as needed up to four times a day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand.

The liquid comes in a container with a special dropper. Use the dropper to measure the exact dose carefully. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about how to measure a dose.

Diphenoxylate can be habit forming. Do not take a larger dose, take it more often, or for a longer period than your doctor tells you to. Stopping the medicine suddenly after taking it for a long time may cause withdrawal. Symptoms of withdrawal include muscle cramps, stomach cramps, unusual sweating, upset stomach and vomiting, and shaking or trembling.

Special Precautions
Before taking diphenoxylate and atropine:


 * tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to diphenoxylate, atropine, or any other drugs.
 * tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially MAO inhibitors [phenelzine (Nardil) and tranylcypromine (Parnate)], muscle relaxants, narcotic cough or pain relievers, sleeping pills, tranquilizers, and vitamins.
 * tell your doctor if you have or have ever had chronic lung disease, ulcerative colitis, or liver disease or a history of alcohol abuse.
 * tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking diphenoxylate and atropine, call your doctor.
 * before having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking this medicine.
 * you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
 * remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.

What to do if you forget a dose
If you are taking scheduled doses of diphenoxylate and atropine, take the missed dose as soon you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue the regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Side effects
Diphenoxylate and atropine may cause side effects. To avoid thirst and dry mouth, drink a lot of fluids, chew gum, or suck sugarless hard candies.

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:


 * severe upset stomach and vomiting
 * severe stomach pain
 * bloating
 * severe drowsiness
 * palpitations
 * swelling
 * rash
 * loss of appetite
 * dryness of the skin, nose, or mouth,
 * difficulty breathing
 * convulsions

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

Storage conditions needed for this medication
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of emergency/overdose
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

Other information
Keep all appointments with your doctor so that your response to diphenoxylate and atropine can be checked. Do not give this medicine to children under 2 years of age.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription. If this medicine does not control your diarrhea within 2 days or your diarrhea gets worse, call your doctor.

Brand names

 * Lofene®
 * Logen®
 * Lomenate®
 * Lomotil®
 * Lonox®
 * Lo-Trol®
 * Low-Quel®