In this Article

• What is atropine and diphenoxylate (Lomotil)?
• What are the possible side effects of atropine and diphenoxylate (Lomotil)?
• What is the most important information I should know about atropine and diphenoxylate (Lomotil)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking atropine and diphenoxylate (Lomotil)?
• How should I take atropine and diphenoxylate (Lomotil)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Lomotil)?
• What happens if I overdose (Lomotil)?
• What should I avoid while taking atropine and diphenoxylate (Lomotil)?
• What other drugs will affect atropine and diphenoxylate (Lomotil)?
• Where can I get more information?

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking atropine and diphenoxylate (Lomotil)?

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to atropine or diphenoxylate, or if you have:

• 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.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

Atropine and diphenoxylate may pass into breast milk and could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Do not give this medication to a child younger than 2 years old.

How should I take atropine and diphenoxylate (Lomotil)?

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.

If you are giving this medication to a child, pay close attention to the dose. An atropine and diphenoxylate overdose is more likely to occur in a child, and can cause breathing problems or result in death or permanent brain damage.

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.

Take the medicine with a full glass of water. Drink extra water while you are taking atropine and diphenoxylate to keep from getting dehydrated.

It may take up to 48 hours of using the medicine before your symptoms improve. For best results, keep using the medication as directed. Talk with your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 10 days of treatment.

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.

Store atropine and diphenoxylate at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Keep the medication where a child cannot reach it. An overdose of atropine and diphenoxylate can be fatal to a child.