Diphenoxylate/Atropine: A Comprehensive Guide to Your Medication

Summary or Key Points

Diphenoxylate/atropine is a prescription medication primarily used for the treatment of diarrhea. It combines two active ingredients to slow down intestinal movement and reduce fluid loss. As with all medications, it is important to take it as directed by your healthcare provider. It’s available in different forms and strengths, and it has potential side effects that patients should be aware of.

Names of Medication

US Brand Name: Lomotil (Diphenoxylate/atropine)

A ‘generic name’ is the standard name of the medication, which doesn’t change regardless of the brand it’s sold under. It’s mentioned here in parenthesis.

Pharmacologic Category

• Antidiarrheal agents
• Anti-motility agents

Dosing

Diarrhea: The usual adult dose is 5 mg of diphenoxylate (2 tablets or 10 mL of liquid) 4 times a day at the onset of diarrhea. Dosage should then be reduced to meet individual requirements, with most patients requiring this medication 1-2 times a day. The treatment duration depends on your condition and response to the medication. Remember to consult with your healthcare provider before adjusting your dose. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to book a telemedicine appointment with one of our providers right away.

Dosage Forms and Strengths

• Tablets: Each tablet contains 2.5 mg of diphenoxylate hydrochloride and 0.025 mg of atropine sulfate.
• Oral solution: Each 5 mL contains 2.5 mg of diphenoxylate hydrochloride and 0.025 mg of atropine sulfate.

Administration Instructions

Take this medication by mouth, usually 4 times a day, or as directed by your doctor. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. This medication works best if taken after meals and at bedtime.

Adverse Reactions and Side Effects

Like all medicines, Diphenoxylate/atropine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. These side effects are usually mild and go away on their own. Here are some potential side effects:

• Drowsiness: This medication may cause drowsiness, affecting around 1 in 10 people. Avoid driving or operating machinery if affected.
• Dizziness: Dizziness may occur in about 1 in 10 people.
• Dry mouth: Dry mouth is a common side effect, occurring in more than 1 in 10 people.
• Nausea: This affects fewer than 1 in 10 people. Eating plain foods and drinking plenty of water can help.

Remember, it’s always important to discuss any concerns or questions about side effects with your healthcare provider. Our telemedicine services are available if you need immediate assistance.

Contraindications

A contraindication is a condition or factor that serves as a reason to withhold a certain medical treatment due to the harm that it would cause the patient. Diphenoxylate/atropine should not be used in the following situations:

• Severe diarrhea due to bacterial infection: It could make the infection worse by slowing down the removal of bacteria from the intestines.
• Jaudice: Diphenoxylate/atropine might worsen the liver condition causing jaundice.
• People allergic to Diphenoxylate or Atropine: An allergic reaction could lead to serious complications, including anaphylaxis, a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction.

Drug to Drug Interactions

Certain medications can interact with Diphenoxylate/atropine, potentially changing the way the drug works. Some examples include:

• Sedatives like Xanax (alprazolam)
• Certain pain medications like OxyContin (oxycodone)
• Antidepressants such as Prozac (fluoxetine)

Diphenoxylate/atropine in Pregnancy

It’s important to consult with your healthcare provider before taking any medication during pregnancy. Although Diphenoxylate/atropine is not generally recommended during pregnancy, it might be prescribed in certain situations if the benefits outweigh the risks. Always consult your healthcare provider to make the best decision for you and your baby.

Diphenoxylate/atropine while Breastfeeding

Diphenoxylate/atropine can pass into breast milk and may affect your baby. Consult your healthcare provider before using this medication while breastfeeding.

Estimated Cost of Medication

The estimated cost of a 30-day supply of Diphenoxylate/atropine without insurance, using a GoodRx coupon, is approximately $30 to $50. This can vary depending on the pharmacy and the specific dosage prescribed.

Possible Alternatives

For Diarrhea: Besides medication, lifestyle changes such as staying hydrated, eating a bland diet, and avoiding foods that exacerbate symptoms could help manage the condition. Over-the-counter medications like Imodium (loperamide) might also be used. As always, these alternatives should be discussed with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your treatment plan. Schedule a telemedicine consultation with one of our providers to discuss these alternatives further.

Recent Updates on Diphenoxylate/atropine Research

While Diphenoxylate/atropine has been a standard treatment for diarrhea for many years, ongoing research continues to evaluate its long-term effects and potential new uses. For instance, recent studies have been investigating the effectiveness of lower doses of Diphenoxylate/atropine in managing irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). As new information becomes available, treatment guidelines may evolve. We’ll keep you updated on significant developments.

Brief Legal Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. Reliance on the information provided here is at your own risk.
Brief Legal Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. Reliance on the information provided here is at your own risk.