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What Is Lomotil?

Lomotil is the brand name of diphenoxylate and atropine, a combination prescription drug used to treat the symptoms of acute or chronic diarrhea. Approved by the Food and Drug Administration, Lomotil comes in both liquid and pill form. As the name suggests, Lomotil, which is manufactured by Pfizer, mixes two drugs: diphenoxylate, an antidiarrheal, and atropine, an anticholinergic. Diphenoxylate works by slowing down the internal movements of the bowels.

Uses

Lomotil is used to treat diarrhea. It helps to decrease the number and frequency of bowel movements. It works by slowing the movement of the intestines. Diphenoxylate is very similar to narcotic pain relievers. Atropine belongs to a class of drugs known as anticholinergics, which help to dry up body fluids and also slow gut movement. This medication should not be used to treat diarrhea caused by certain types of infection. You should definitely talk to your doctor for more details. This medication is not recommended for use in children younger than 6 years due to an increased risk of serious side effects.

Warnings

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to atropine or diphenoxylate, or if you have:

  • obstructive jaundice;
  • diarrhea that is caused by bacteria; or
  • diarrhea caused by using antibiotic medication.

Lomotil is not approved for use by anyone younger than 6 years old. This medicine has not been proven safe or effective in children younger than 13 years old.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

Side Effects

Drowsiness, dizziness, headache, tiredness, blurred vision, and loss of appetite may occur. If any of these effects quickly worsen, inform your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. But, make sure to tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects.

Pregnancy and Lomotil

Lomotil is in Pregnancy Category C, according to the FDA, which means that harm to a woman’s fetus cannot be ruled out. Nonetheless, the drug’s benefits to the mother may outweigh the potential risks to her developing fetus. Since there are no proven studies of the effect of Lomotil on pregnant women, it's important that your doctor know if you are pregnant or are breastfeeding, as the drug may be excreted in breast milk.

Lomotil Dosage+

Lomotil comes in 2.5 milligram (mg) pills and 5 milliliter (ml) liquid doses taken with a dropper. Children younger than 12 should be given only the liquid version of the drug. In the pill form, the recommended initial dose for adults and teenagers is 5 mg (two pills), taken three or four times a day. Then the dose is usually reduced to 5 mg once a day. In the liquid form, the recommended initial dose for adults and teenagers is 10 ml (2 teaspoonfuls) three or four times a day. Then the dose is usually lowered to 10 ml once a day.

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur very often. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your doctor the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco and stay protected.