$Unique_ID{BRK03134} $Pretitle{} $Title{diphenoxylate and atropine combination} $Subject{Diphenatol Rugby hydrochloride sulfate Lofene Lannett Logen Goldline Lomanate Barre Lomotil Searle Lonox Geneva Generics Low-Quel Halsey Antidiarrheal antispasmodic anticholinergic diphenoxylate atropine severe diarrhea narcotic analgesics gastrointestinal tract abuse} $Volume{} $Log{ Lomotil*0313401.scf} Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd. diphenoxylate and atropine combination ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers) Diphenatol (Rugby) diphenoxylate hydrochloride with atropine sulfate (various manufacturers) Lofene (Lannett) Logen (Goldline) Lomanate (Barre) Lomotil (Searle) Lonox (Geneva Generics) Low-Quel (Halsey) TYPE OF DRUG Antidiarrheal (antispasmodic and anticholinergic) INGREDIENTS diphenoxylate and atropine DOSAGE FORMS Tablets (2.5 mg diphenoxylate and 0.025 mg atropine) Oral liquid (2.5 mg diphenoxylate and 0.025 mg atropine per 5-ml spoonful, with 15% alcohol) STORAGE Diphenoxylate and atropine combination tablets and oral liquid should be stored at room temperature in tightly closed, light-resistant containers. Neither form should be frozen. USES Diphenoxylate and atropine combination is used to treat severe diarrhea. Diphenoxylate is related to the narcotic analgesics and acts by slowing the movement of the gastrointestinal tract. Small amounts of atropine are added to this medication in order to prevent abuse of the narcotic diphenoxylate. TREATMENT In order to avoid stomach upset, you can take this medication with food or with a full glass of water or milk. The oral liquid form of this medication should be measured carefully using a specially designed 5-ml measuring spoon. An ordinary kitchen teaspoon is not accurate enough. If you miss a dose of this medication, do not take the missed dose at all; just return to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the next dose. SIDE EFFECTS Minor. Blurred vision, constipation, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, flushing, headache, loss of appetite, nervousness, sweating, or swollen gums. These side effects should disappear as your body adjusts to the medication. To relieve mouth dryness, chew sugarless gum or suck on ice chips or a piece of hard candy. If you feel dizzy or light-headed, sit or lie down for a while; get up slowly from a sitting or reclining position, and be careful on stairs. Major. Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or particularly bothersome. IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about abdominal pain, bloating, breathing difficulties, depression, difficult or painful urination, false sense of well-being, fever, hives, itching, numbness in the fingers or toes, palpitations, rash, severe nausea, vomiting, or weakness. INTERACTIONS This medication interacts with several other types of medications: 1. Concurrent use of this medication with central nervous system depressants (such as alcohol, antihistamines, barbiturates, benzodiazepine tranquilizers, muscle relaxants, narcotics, pain medications, and phenothiazine tranquilizers) or with tricyclic antidepressants can cause extreme drowsiness. 2. A monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor (tranylcypromine, phenelzine, isocarboxazid, and pargyline) taken within 14 days of this medication can lead to unpredictable and severe side effects. 3. The side effects of the atropine component of this medication may be increased by amantadine, haloperidol, phenothiazine tranquilizers, procainamide, and quinidine. BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any medications you are currently taking, especially any of those listed above. WARNINGS * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to medications, especially to diphenoxylate or to atropine. * Tell your doctor if you now have or if you have ever had drug-induced diarrhea, gallstones or gallbladder disease, glaucoma, heart disease, hiatal hernia, high blood pressure, kidney disease, liver disease, lung disease, myasthenia gravis, enlarged prostate gland, thyroid disease, or ulcerative colitis. * If this medication makes you dizzy or drowsy, you should avoid taking part in any activity that requires alertness, such as driving a car or operating any potentially dangerous equipment. * Before having surgery or any other medical or dental treatment, be sure to tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication. * Because this product contains diphenoxylate, it has the potential for abuse and must be used with caution. Tolerance develops quickly; do not increase the dosage or stop taking the drug unless you first consult your doctor. If you have been taking large amounts of this medication for long periods and then stop abruptly, you may experience a withdrawal reaction (muscle aches, diarrhea, gooseflesh, runny nose, nausea, vomiting, shivering, trembling, stomach cramps, sleep disorders, irritability, weakness, excessive yawning, or sweating). Your doctor may, therefore, want to reduce the dosage gradually. * Check with your doctor if your diarrhea does not subside within two to three days. Unless your doctor specifically directs otherwise, you should not take this medication for more than five days. * While taking this medication, drink lots of fluids to replace those lost with the diarrhea. * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant. Although this medication has been shown to be safe in animals, its effects in humans during pregnancy have not been thoroughly studied. Also, tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant. Small amounts of this medication may pass into breast milk and cause excessive drowsiness in nursing infants. ---------------- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical problem.