Atropine and diphenoxylate

What is Atropine and diphenoxylate?

Atropine influences the body in numerous ways, including the reduction of spasms in the stomach, bladder, and intestines.Diphenoxylate can be used as an antidiarrheal medicine.Atropine and diphenoxylate are a combination medicine that is used for treating diarrhoea in children and adults who are 13 or older.Atropine and diphenoxylate can be used to treat conditions that are not mentioned in this guide.

Side effects of Atropine and diphenoxylate

Contact a medical professional immediately. If you are experiencing symptoms or warning signs of an allergic response, like hives, trouble breathing, or swelling of your lips, face, and tongue,Certain side effects can occur for up to 30 days after taking atropine and diphenoxylate.

This medication can cause severe adverse effects. Take this medicine off and consult your physician immediately if you experience:

• Extreme constipation and stomach pain, or constipation that is severe, stomach pain,
• Persistent or worsening diarrhoea;
• Diarrhoea that is either watery or bloody
• Extreme discomfort in your upper stomach that is spreading to your back
• Fever (flushing (warmth or redness) or tingly sensation);
• Hallucinations, seizure;
• Rapid breathing, shallow or weak breathing;
• High heart rate
• Dehydration symptoms: feeling extremely thirsty and hot in a state of not being able to urinate or sweat, heavy sweating, or dry and hot skin.

Common adverse effects of atropine and diphenoxylate can include:

• Drowsiness, dizziness, feeling restless;
• Headache;
• Numbness in your feet or hands
• Depression not feeling well;
• Disorientation, extreme happiness
• Gums with swelling or redness;
• Dry mouth the nose, mouth, or throat;
• Vomiting, vomiting, upset stomach, and loss of appetite
• Skin eruptions, dryness, and irritation.

This list does not comprise all potential side effects; other possible issues could occur. Contact your physician for advice regarding medical adverse effects. Report any side effects directly to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Similar/related drugs

Loperamide, Imodium, Lomotil, Neomycin, Pepto-Bismol, and bismuth subsalicylate

Warnings

Do not take this medicine in the event of diarrhoea that originates from bacteria or when using medication that is an antibiotic. Do not take diphenoxylate or atropine if you have a bile-duct disorder that causes jaundice (yellowing of your eyes or skin).Make sure that the medicine is kept away from children who might try to access it. An overdose could cause death in children.

Prior to using this drug

It is not recommended to use diphenoxylate or atropine if you are sensitive to diphenoxylate or atropine or if you suffer from:

• Obstructive jaundice that is obstructive (a disorder of the bile ducts that can cause an increase in the colour of your eyes or skin);
• Diarrhoea caused by bacteria
• Diarrhoea triggered by antibiotics.

Atropine and diphenoxylate are not permitted for use by anyone younger than six years old. This medication has not been verified as reliable or safe for youngsters younger than 13 years of age.

Speak to your physician if you have experienced:

• A blockage in your intestines.
• Ulcerative colitis;
• Asthma or any other breathing issues;
• Glaucoma;
• Urination issues;
• Kidney or liver disease
• Down's syndrome
• If you are dehydrated.

It isn't known if this medication will cause harm to a baby who is not yet born. Informing your physician of your pregnancy is imperative.It is not recommended to breastfeed a baby when you're taking this medicine. Talk to your doctor about any possible risks.

How do I take Atropine and diphenoxylate?

Follow the directions on the prescription label and go through all medication guides or instructions. Your doctor might alter the dosage. Make sure you take the medicine exactly as prescribed.Make sure to measure the liquid medicine with care. Make use of the dosing syringe supplied or a dose-measuring device (not the kitchen spoon).Drink plenty of fluids to avoid becoming dehydrated during diarrhea. The doctor may suggest an electrolyte supplement like Gatorade as well as Pedialyte. Follow all instructions.It could last between 48 and 72 hours until your symptoms begin to improve. Continue to take the medication according to the directions. Contact your physician. If you're still suffering from diarrhoea after 10 days or if you're suffering from an increase in temperature,Place it in a cool, dry place free of heat and moisture.Place this medication where a child is not able to reach it. A high dose of diphenoxylate or atropine could cause fatal harm to a child.

Info on dosage

Usual Adult Dose for Diarrhoea:

Initial dosage: 2 tablets or 10 mL (5 mg diphenoxylate) orally, 4 times per day.
Maintenance dosage: Once control has been attained, lower the dose according to individual needs, but not to as low as two tablets or 10 mL twice every day.
Maximum dose: 20 mg diphenoxylate per day
Comments:
Clinical improvement usually occurs in less than 48 hours.
If there is no improvement within 10 days of the start, symptoms are not likely to improve with any further treatment.

Usual Paediatric Dose for Diarrhoea:

2 years or older:
The initial dose is 0.3–0.4 mg/kg diphenoxylate orally in 4 doses.
Maintenance dosage: Once control has been reached, lower the dose according to individual needs to as low as one-quarter of the initial daily dose.
Maximum dose: 20 mg diphenoxylate per day
Comments:
These doses are approximate. Reduce them according to your nutritional status and the degree of dehydration.
Reduce dosage when the first control of symptoms is attained.
If no response is received in less than 48 hours, the medication isn't likely to work.
Use only the liquid medication for youngsters under 13 years old. Do not use tablets.

What happens if I miss the dose?

As soon as possible, take your medication.However, avoid any missed doses if it's close to the time of the next dose. Don't take two doses at a time.

What happens if I overdose?

Get medical attention immediately or contact the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222. A dose too high of diphenoxylate or atropine could cause breathing problems and cause the death of a person or permanent brain damage.Early symptoms of an overdose are blurred vision, weakness, speech that is slurred, burning sensations, rapid heartbeats, slow breathing, the feeling of fainting, seizures, or coma.Be sure to notify your physician right away of any symptoms indicating early overdose.

Aviod this

Avoid driving and other hazardous activities until you understand the ways diphenoxylate and atropine impact your body. Your reactions may be affected.

Beware of becoming dehydrated or overheated when exercising during hot weather or by drinking insufficient fluids. Follow the advice of your physician about the kind and quantity of fluids you need to drink.Consuming alcohol while taking this medication could cause adverse consequences.

Interaction with other drug

Combining this medication with other medications that cause you to become drowsy could increase the severity of this effect. Consult your physician before taking opioid medications, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, cold or allergy medicine, or medication to treat anxiety, depression, or seizures.

Inform your doctor of all medications you are currently taking. Certain medicines may affect atropine or diphenoxylate in particular.

• Medicines to address symptoms associated with Parkinson's disease;
• Medicine to treat acid in the stomach, stomach ulcer, motion sickness, or IBS;
• Medications for urinary or bladder problems;
• An bronchodilator.
• An MAO inhibitor—isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, and others.

This list isn't complete. Other drugs can impact diphenoxylate and atropine, which includes medications that are prescribed and available over the counter, vitamins, and herbal products. The list of possible interactions between drugs is listed in this article.