Diphenoxylate and Atropine (Systemic)

Brand Names : Lofene, Logen, Lomocot, Lomotil, Lonox, Vi-Atro

Category

• Antidiarrheal (antiperistaltic)

Description

Diphenoxylate and atropine (dye-fen-OX-i-late and A-troe-peen) is a combination medicine used along with other measures to treat severe diarrhea in adults. Diphenoxylate helps stop diarrhea by slowing down the movements of the intestines.

Since diphenoxylate is chemically related to some narcotics, it may be habit-forming if taken in doses that are larger than prescribed. To help prevent possible abuse, atropine (an anticholinergic) has been added. If higher than normal doses of the combination are taken, the atropine will cause unpleasant effects, making it unlikely that such doses will be taken again.

Diphenoxylate and atropine combination medicine should not be used in children. Children with diarrhea should be given solutions of carbohydrates (sugars) and important salts (electrolytes) to replace the water, sugars, and important salts that are lost from the body during diarrhea. For more information on these solutions, see the Carbohydrates and Electrolytes (Systemic) monograph.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription in the following dosage forms:

Oral
• Oral solution (U.S.)
• Tablets (U.S. and Canada)

Brand Names

Some commonly used brand names are:

In the U.S. -

• Lofene
• Logen
• Lomocot
• Lomotil
• Lonox
• Vi-Atro

In Canada -

• Lomotil

Generic name product may be available in the U.S.