Drug Detail:Lomotil (Atropine and diphenoxylate [ a-troe-peen-and-dye-fen-ox-i-late ])
Generic Name: Diphenoxylate and Atropine Solution [ dye-fen-OKS-i-late-& A-troe-peen ]
Drug Class: Antidiarrheals
Uses of Lomotil:
- It is used to treat diarrhea.
What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Lomotil?
- If you have an allergy to diphenoxylate, atropine, or any other part of Lomotil (diphenoxylate and atropine solution).
- If you are allergic to Lomotil (diphenoxylate and atropine solution); any part of Lomotil (diphenoxylate and atropine solution); or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
- If you have any of these health problems: Diarrhea caused by infection, diarrhea caused by a severe bowel problem (pseudomembranous colitis), or yellowing of the skin or eyes.
- If you are dehydrated or have electrolyte problems.
- If you are taking certain drugs used for depression like isocarboxazid, phenelzine, or tranylcypromine, or drugs used for Parkinson's disease like selegiline or rasagiline.
- If your child is younger than 2 years of age. Do not give Lomotil (diphenoxylate and atropine solution) to a child younger than 2 years of age.
This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with Lomotil (diphenoxylate and atropine solution).
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take Lomotil (diphenoxylate and atropine solution) with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.
What are some things I need to know or do while I take Lomotil?
- Tell all of your health care providers that you take Lomotil (diphenoxylate and atropine solution). This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
- Avoid driving and doing other tasks or actions that call for you to be alert until you see how Lomotil (diphenoxylate and atropine solution) affects you.
- Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Lomotil (diphenoxylate and atropine solution).
- Talk with your doctor before you use other drugs and natural products that slow your actions.
- Talk with your doctor about drinking lots of fluids and other ways to prevent fluid loss. If you have a lot of fluid loss, you may have more side effects from Lomotil (diphenoxylate and atropine solution).
- Keep away from children. Accidental exposure and overdose may result in very bad breathing problems or coma. These could lead to long lasting brain damage and sometimes death. If a child takes Lomotil (diphenoxylate and atropine solution) by accident, get medical help right away.
- Use with care in children. Talk with the doctor.
- If you are 65 or older, use Lomotil (diphenoxylate and atropine solution) with care. You could have more side effects.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using Lomotil (diphenoxylate and atropine solution) while you are pregnant.
- Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.
How is this medicine (Lomotil) best taken?
Use Lomotil (diphenoxylate and atropine solution) as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.
- Take with or without food.
- Follow how to take Lomotil (diphenoxylate and atropine solution) as you have been told by your doctor. Do not use more than you were told to use.
- Use the dropper that comes with Lomotil (diphenoxylate and atropine solution) to measure the drug.
What do I do if I miss a dose?
- This medicine is taken on an as needed basis. Do not take more often than told by the doctor.
What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?
WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:
- Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Signs of a pancreas problem (pancreatitis) like very bad stomach pain, very bad back pain, or very bad upset stomach or throwing up.
- Trouble breathing, slow breathing, or shallow breathing.
- Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet.
- Fever.
- A fast heartbeat.
- Trouble passing urine.
- Flushing.
- Fast breathing.
- Feeling sluggish.
- Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there).
- Seizures.
- Dry mouth.
- Larger pupils.
- Small pupils.
- Mood changes.
- Change in the way you act.
- Feeling confused.
- Restlessness.
- Change in eyesight.
- Very bad constipation.
- Very bad belly pain.
- Swelling of belly.
What are some other side effects of Lomotil?
All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:
- Feeling sleepy.
- Dizziness.
- Headache.
- Upset stomach or throwing up.
- Not hungry.
- Belly pain.
- Dry skin.
- Feeling tired or weak.
These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
If OVERDOSE is suspected:
If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.
How do I store and/or throw out Lomotil?
- Store at room temperature.
- Protect from light.
- Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
- Throw away any part not used 90 days after opening.
- Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
- Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
- If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
- Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
- Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about Lomotil (diphenoxylate and atropine solution), please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.
Frequently asked questions
- How to stop diarrhea - any medicine or remedy suggestions?