DIPHENOXYLATE & ATROPINE

Brand & Generic Names

Diphenatol
Lofene
Logen
Lomanate
Lomotil
Lonox
Lo-Trol
Nor-Mil

Basic Information

• Habit forming? Yes
• Prescription needed? Yes
• Available as generic? Yes
• Drug class: Antidiarrheal

Uses

Relieves diarrhea and intestinal cramps.

Dosage & Usage Information

How to take:
Tablet--Swallow with liquid or food to lessen stomach irritation.
Drops or liquid--Follow label instructions and use marked dropper.

When to take:
No more often than directed on label.

If you forget a dose:
Take as soon as you remember up to 2 hours late. If more than 2 hours, wait for next scheduled dose (don't double this dose).

What drug does:
Blocks digestive tract's nerve supply, which reduces propelling movements.

Time lapse before drug works:
May require 12 to 24 hours of regular doses to control diarrhea.

Don't take with:
Any other medicine without consulting your doctor or pharmacist.

Overdose

SYMPTOMS:
Excitement, constricted pupils, shallow breathing, coma.

WHAT TO DO:

• Dial 911 (emergency) or O (operator) for an ambulance or medical help. Then give first aid immediately.
• If patient is unconscious and not breathing, give mouth-to- mouth breathing. If there is no heartbeat, use cardiac massage and mouth-to-mouth breathing (CPR). Don't try to make patient vomit. If you can't get help quickly, take patient to nearest emergency facility.
• See EMERGENCY Information.

Possible Adverse Reactions or Side Effects

Life-threatening:

Hives, rash, intense Seek emergency itching, faintness treatment immediately. soon after a dose (anaphylaxis).

Common:

None expected.

Infrequent:

• Dry mouth, swollen gums, rapid heartbeat.
• Dizziness, depression, drowsiness, rash or itch, blurred vision, decreased urination.

Rare:

Restlessness, flush, fever, headache, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, bloating, constipation, numbness of hands or feet.

Warnings & Precautions

Don't take if:

• You are allergic to diphenoxylate and atropine or any narcotic or anticholinergic.
• You have jaundice.
• You have infectious diarrhea or antibiotic-associated diarrhea.
• Patient is younger than 2.

Before you start, consult your doctor:

• If you have had liver problems.
• If you have ulcerative colitis.
• If you plan to become pregnant within medication period.
• If you have any medical disorder.
• If you take any medication, including non-prescription drugs.

Over age 60:
Adverse reactions and side effects may be more frequent and severe than in younger persons.

Pregnancy:
Studies inconclusive. Decide with you doctor whether drug benefits justify risk to unborn child.

Breast-feeding:
Drug passes into milk. Avoid drug or discontinue nursing until you finish medicine. Consult doctor for advice on maintaining milk supply.

Infants & children:
Don't give to infants or toddlers. Use only under doctor's supervision for children older than 2.

Prolonged use:

• Habit forming.
• Talk to your doctor about the need for follow-up medical examinations or laboratory studies to check liver function.

Skin & sunlight:
No problems expected.

Driving, piloting or hazardous work:
Don't drive or pilot aircraft until you learn how medicine affects you. Don't work around dangerous machinery. Don't climb ladders or work in high places. Danger increases if you drink alcohol or take medicine affecting alertness and reflexes.

Discontinuing:

• May be unnecessary to finish medicine. Follow doctor's instructions.
• After discontinuing, consult doctor if you experience muscle cramps, nausea, vomiting, trembling, stomach cramps or unusual sweating.

Others:
If diarrhea lasts longer than 4 days, discontinue and call doctor.

Possible Interaction with Other Drugs

GENERIC NAME	COMBINED EFFECT
------------------------	-----------------------
Barbiturates*	Increased effect of both drugs.
Clozapine	Toxic effect on the central nervous
	system.
Ethinamate	Dangerous increased effects of
	ethinamate. Avoid combining.
Fluoxetine	Increased depressant effects of
	both drugs.
Guanfacine	May increase depressant effects of
	either drug.
Leucovorin	High alcohol content of leucovorin
	may cause adverse effects.
MAO inhibitors*	May increase blood pressure
	excessively.
Methyprylon	Increased sedative effect, perhaps
	to dangerous level. Avoid.
Naltrexone	Triggers withdrawal symptoms.
Narcotics*	Increased sedation. Avoid.
Sedatives*	Increased effect of both drugs.
Sertraline	Increased depressive effects of
	both drugs.
Tranquilizers*	Increased effect of both drugs.

Possible Interaction with Other Substances

INTERACTS WITH	COMBINED EFFECT
---------------	---------------
Alcohol:	Depressed brain function. Avoid.
Beverages:	None expected.
Cocaine:	Decreased effect of diphenoxylate
	and atropine.
Foods:	None expected.
Marijuana:	None expected.
Tobacco:	None expected.