Class: Antidiarrhea Agents
CAS Number: 3810-80-8
Introduction
Antiperistaltic antidiarrhea agent; synthetic phenylpiperidine-derivative opiate agonist.
Uses for Diphenoxylate
Diarrhea
Adjunctive therapy in the management of diarrhea.
Symptomatic treatment of mild or uncomplicated travelers’ diarrhea, including that occurring in adult travelers with HIV infection. Should not be used in travelers with severe diarrhea or with high fever or blood in the stools; these travelers may benefit from short-term treatment with an anti-infective (e.g., a fluoroquinolone).
Ineffective for prevention of travelers’ diarrhea; may increase incidence of travelers’ diarrhea.
Diphenoxylate Dosage and Administration
Administration
Oral Administration
In children 2–12 years of age, administer as oral solution using only the calibrated measuring device provided by the manufacturer.
Do not administer in children <2 years of age because of the narrow range between therapeutic and toxic doses in this age group.
Discontinue if symptoms of travelers’ diarrhea persist >48 hours or worsen.
Dosage
Available as diphenoxylate hydrochloride; dosage expressed in terms of the salt. Commercially available only in combination with atropine sulfate (in subtherapeutic quantity to discourage deliberate overdosage).
Pediatric Patients
Diarrhea
Oral
Children 2–12 years of age: Initially, 0.3–0.4 mg/kg daily, given in 4 divided doses.
Age | Approximate Weight | Dosage in mg (mL of 2.5-mg/5-mL oral solution) |
|---|---|---|
2 years | 11–14 kg | 0.75–1.5 mg (1.5–3 mL) 4 times daily |
3 years | 12–16 kg | 1–1.5 mg (2–3 mL) 4 times daily |
