Diphenoxylate+atropine
About
Diphenoxylate+atropine belongs to the group of medicines called antidiarrheal used to treat diarrhoea. Diarrhoea is a condition characterized by loose and watery stools with a frequent need to have a bowel movement. Symptoms include nausea, abdominal pain, cramps, bloating, dehydration, watery loose stools, and frequent urge to evacuate the bowels.
Diphenoxylate+atropine is a combination of two drugs: Diphenoxylate (opioid agonist) and Atropine (anti-cholinergic). Diphenoxylate works by slowing down the intestinal movements, thereby makes the stools more solid and less frequent. Atropine helps to prevent involuntary muscle movements in the intestine. Atropine is added to prevent the abuse of diphenoxylate as higher doses may cause physical dependence.
You are advised to take Diphenoxylate+atropine for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you, depending on your medical condition. In some cases, you may experience certain common side-effects such as abdominal discomfort, nausea, vomiting, headache, dry mouth and dizziness. Most of these side-effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side-effects persistently.
Inform your doctor before taking Diphenoxylate+atropine if you have a blockage in the intestines, ulcerative colitis, asthma, glaucoma, urination problems, Down’s syndrome, dehydration, liver or kidney problems. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Diphenoxylate+atropine may cause dizziness and drowsiness, so drive only if you are alert. Avoid alcohol consumption while taking Diphenoxylate+atropine as it may cause increased dizziness and drowsiness. Diphenoxylate+atropine should not be given to children below 13years as the safety and effectiveness have not been established.
Uses of Diphenoxylate+atropine
Medicinal Benefits
Diphenoxylate+atropine belongs to the group of medicines called antidiarrheals used to treat diarrhoea. Diphenoxylate+atropine is a combination of two drugs: Diphenoxylate (opioid agonist) and Atropine (anti-cholinergic). Diphenoxylate works by slowing down intestinal movements, thereby makes the stools more solid and less frequent. Atropine helps to prevent involuntary muscle movements in the intestine. Together, Diphenoxylate+atropine helps to treat diarrhoea.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Diphenoxylate+atropine
- Abdominal discomfort
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Dry mouth
- Dizziness
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not take Diphenoxylate+atropine if you are allergic to any of its contents; if you have obstructive jaundice, diarrhoea caused by bacteria or antibiotics. Do not take monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI) with Diphenoxylate+atropine. Inform your doctor before taking Diphenoxylate+atropine if you have a blockage in the intestines, ulcerative colitis, asthma, glaucoma, urination problems, Down’s syndrome, dehydration, liver or kidney problems. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Diphenoxylate+atropine may cause dizziness and drowsiness, so drive only if you are alert. Avoid alcohol consumption while taking Diphenoxylate+atropine as it may cause increased dizziness and drowsiness. Diphenoxylate+atropine should not be given to children below 13years as the safety and effectiveness have not been established.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Diphenoxylate+atropine may interact with an antihistamine (diphenhydramine, cetirizine), anti-convulsant (pregabalin), anti-depressant (duloxetine), anti-hypertensive (metoprolol), pain killers (acetaminophen, hydrocodone) and MAOI’s (monoamine oxidase inhibitors).
Drug-Food Interactions: Avoid consuming alcohol with Diphenoxylate+atropine as it may cause increased dizziness and drowsiness.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have autonomic neuropathy, gastrointestinal obstruction, glaucoma, obstructive uropathy, reactive airway disease, myasthenia gravis (muscle weakness), infectious diarrhoea, gastric ulcer, gastroesophageal reflux disease, ulcerative colitis, dehydration, down’s syndrome, high blood pressure, heart, kidney, or liver problems.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid consuming alcohol while taking Diphenoxylate+atropine as it may cause increased dizziness and drowsiness.
Pregnancy
cautionDiphenoxylate+atropine belongs to pregnancy category C. Please consult your doctor before taking Diphenoxylate+atropine if you are pregnant; your doctor will prescribe Diphenoxylate+atropine only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionDiphenoxylate+atropine may pass into breastmilk. Consult your doctor before taking Diphenoxylate+atropine; your doctor will decide whether Diphenoxylate+atropine can be taken by breastfeeding mothers or not.
Driving
cautionDiphenoxylate+atropine may cause dizziness and drowsiness. Do not drive or operate machinery if you feel dizzy or drowsy.
Liver
cautionDose adjustment may be needed. Please consult your doctor before taking Diphenoxylate+atropine if you have liver impairment/liver disease before taking Diphenoxylate+atropine.
Kidney
cautionDose adjustment may be needed. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding this or kidney impairment/kidney disease before taking Diphenoxylate+atropine.
Children
unsafeDiphenoxylate+atropine should not be given to children below 13 years as the safety and effectiveness have not been established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Include bananas, apple, toast, and rice in your diet to firm the stools.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids to compensate for electrolyte loss.
- Clear broths and ORS can help provide essential electrolytes.
- Avoid spicy, fried and processed foods.
- Take ample rest.
- Avoid the intake of foods which can trigger diarrhoea.
- Do not consume contaminated food or water.
- It is advised to intake plenty of fluids to compensate for the loss of electrolytes and salts due to diarrhoea.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Diarrhoea: It is a condition characterized by loose and watery stools with a frequent need to have a bowel movement. Diarrhoea might be a result of bacterial or viral infection. It can be acute (lasts for a few days) or chronic (lasts for a few weeks). Diarrhoea can lead to loss of water along with salts, electrolytes, and minerals from the body. The common causes of diarrhoea include food intolerance, food allergy, adverse reaction to a medication, or infections. Symptoms include nausea, abdominal pain, cramps, bloating, dehydration, watery loose stools, and frequent urge to evacuate the bowels.
FAQs
Diphenoxylate+atropine contains Diphenoxylate and Atropine. Diphenoxylate works by slowing down intestinal movements, thereby making the stools more solid and less frequent. Atropine helps to prevent involuntary muscle movements in the intestine.
Dry mouth could be a side-effect of Diphenoxylate+atropine. Limiting caffeine intake, avoiding smoking and mouthwashes containing alcohol, drinking water regularly, and chewing sugar-free gum/candy might stimulate saliva and prevent drying of the mouth.
Constipation might be a side-effect of Diphenoxylate+atropine. Drink enough fluids and eat fibre-rich food if you experience constipation. Consult your doctor if the condition persists or worsens.
Do not take anti-depressants, especially MAO inhibitors, along with Diphenoxylate+atropine as it may cause headache, high blood pressure, and hyperthermia (high temperature). Consult your doctor before taking Diphenoxylate+atropine with other medicines to avoid unpleasant side effects.
Do not take Diphenoxylate+atropine for longer durations unless prescribed. Generally, your condition will get better within 48hours of taking Diphenoxylate+atropine. Talk to your doctor if there is no improvement even after taking Diphenoxylate+atropine for 10 days.
