What is Lomotil?
Atropine has many effects on the body, including reducing spasms of the bladder, stomach, and intestines.Diphenoxylate, also known as antidiarrheal medicine, is a medication that treats diarrhea.Lomotil is a combination of medicines used to treat diarrhea among adults and children over the age of 13.This medication guide does not list all possible uses of Lomotil.
Side effects Lomotil
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention: difficulty breathing, hives, swelling of the face, lips, or throat.Lomotil may cause side effects up to 30 hours after taking it.
This medicine can cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Constipation or stomach pain;
- Diarrhea that is persistent or getting worse
- Diarrhea that is bloody or watery
- Severe pain spreading from your upper abdomen to your back
- Fever (flushing, warmth, redness, or tingly sensation);
- Hallucinations, seizure;
- Rapid breathing is weak or shallow breathing.
- Rapid heart rate
- Dehydration symptoms: feeling very thirsty, hot, or unable to urinate. Heavy sweating or hot and dried skin.
Lomotil can cause the following side effects:
- Drowsiness, dizziness, feeling restless;
- Headache;
- Numbness of the hands or feet
- Feeling down;
- Feelings of extreme happiness and confusion
- Red or swollen gingiva;
- Dry mouth, nose, or throat
- Nausea; vomiting; upset stomach; or loss of appetite.
- Skin dryness or rash
There may be other side effects.Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report adverse effects, you can contact the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
This medicine should not be used if you are suffering from diarrhea caused by a bacterial infection or due to taking an anti-biotic. Lomotil should not be used if you suffer from a bile-duct disorder that causes jaundice.This medicine should not be given to children. A child can die from an overdose.
Before you take this drug
Lomotil should not be used if:
- Jaundice-obstructive (a disorder of the bile ducts that can cause yellowing in your skin or eyes)
- Diarrhoea caused by bacteria
- Diarrhoea caused by antibiotics
Lomotil has not been approved for anyone younger than six years of age. The safety and effectiveness of this medicine in children under 13 years have not been established.
Tell your doctor about any of the folowing:
- A blockage in the intestines.
- Ulcerative Colitis
- Asthma and other breathing problems
- Glaucoma;
- Urination problems
- Liver or kidney disease
- Down syndrome
- If you are dehydrated.
This medicine is not known to harm an unborn child. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant.You may not be able to breastfeed your baby if you are taking this medication. You should ask your doctor if there are any risks.
How to take Lomotil?
Follow the instructions in the guide or instruction manual that comes with the medication.Sometimes, your doctor will change the dose. Take the medicine exactly as directed.Measuring liquid medicine is important. Use the provided dosing device or a dose-measuring tool (not a spoon).You should drink plenty of fluids while experiencing diarrhoea to avoid becoming dehydrated. Your doctor may prescribe an electrolyte supplement such as Gatorade or Pedialyte. Follow all instructions with care.You may need to wait up to 48 hours before you feel better. Continue to take the medication according to the instructions. If you are still experiencing diarrhoea or fever after 10 days, call your doctor.Keep away from moisture and heat at room temperature.This medicine should not be given to children. A child can die from an overdose of diphenoxylate and atropine.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you are almost due for your next dose, skip the missed one. Never take two doses of a medicine at the same time.
What happens if I overdose?
Call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222 or seek emergency medical care. A Lomotil overdose can result in breathing problems, death, or permanent brain injury.Overdose symptoms can include blurred vision, rapid heartbeats and breathing, fainting, or a coma. You should report any early overdose symptoms as soon as you can.
What should be avoided?
Do not drive or engage in hazardous activities until you have determined how Lomotil affects you. You may be unable to react properly.Drink enough fluids to avoid becoming dehydrated or overheated during exercise or in hot weather. You should follow your doctor's advice on the amount and type of fluids to drink.Alcohol consumption can have side effects when taken with this medication.
Interaction with other drug
This effect can be worsened by using this medication with other drugs that make you sleepy. Before taking an opioid, sleeping pill, muscle relaxer, allergy medication, or medication for depression or seizures, ask your doctor.
Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medications. Lomotil may be affected by:
- Medicine to treat Parkinson’s disease
- Medicine to treat excess stomach acids, stomach ulcers, or motion sickness
- Medications for bladder or urinary problem
- A bronchodilator,
- An MAO inhibitor—isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, and others.
This list is incomplete. Lomotil may be affected by other drugs, such as vitamins and herbs. This list does not include all possible interactions with other drugs.
