Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 5, 2022.
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- Lomocot
- Lomotil
- Lonox
- Vi-Atro
Available Dosage Forms:
- Tablet
- Solution
Therapeutic Class: Antidiarrheal
Pharmacologic Class: Atropine
Chemical Class: Diphenoxylate
Uses for diphenoxylate and atropine
Diphenoxylate and atropine combination is used along with other measures (eg, fluid and electrolyte treatment) to treat severe diarrhea. Diphenoxylate helps stop diarrhea by slowing down the movements of the intestines.
Diphenoxylate is chemically related to some narcotics and may be habit-forming if taken in doses that are larger than prescribed. If higher than normal doses of the combination are taken, the atropine will cause unpleasant effects.
Diphenoxylate and atropine is available only with your doctor's prescription.
Before using diphenoxylate and atropine
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For diphenoxylate and atropine, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to diphenoxylate and atropine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pediatric
Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated pediatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of diphenoxylate and atropine combination in children 13 years of age and older. Safety and efficacy have not been established in children younger than 13 years of age. Diphenoxylate and atropine should not be used in children younger than 6 years of age because of the risk for respiratory depression (severe breathing problem) or coma (loss of consciousness).
Geriatric
No information is available on the relationship of age to the effects of diphenoxylate and atropine combination in geriatric patients.
Breastfeeding
There are no adequ...
