Diphenoxylate and Atropine

Antidiarrhoeal · Anticholinergic/Opiate

Indications

Diarrhoea.

Dosage

Adults: 4 tab, initially then 2 tab six hourly until control. Children: Under 4 yr, not recommended; 4-8 yr, 1 tab three times daily; 9-12 yr, 1 tab four times daily; 13-16 yr, 2 tab three times daily.

Adverse Effects

CNS disturbances, allergic reactions, GI upset, anticholinergic effects.

Risk Factor (Pregnancy/Lactation)

Pregnancy: Risk cannot be ruled out. Lactation: Caution advised or effect undetermined. Contraindications: Intestinal obstruction. Acute ulcerative colitis. Pseudomembranous colitis. Jaundice. Precautions: Correct severe dehydration or electrolyte imbalance before initiating therapy. Hepatic dysfunction.

Interactions

MAOIs, CNS depressants.

Advice to Patient

Take with or without meals. Contact prescriber if there is difficulty in urination, unrelieved persistent diarrhoea, respiratory difficulties, fever or palpitations. Avoid alcohol, sedatives and CNS depressants. Chewing gum or sucking lozenges may help in treating dry mouth.

Pharmacokinetics

DIPHENOXYLATE: Onset of action: Within 45-60 min. Absorption: Well absorbed. Metabolism: Extensively hepatic. Bioavailability: Approx. 90%. Half-life elimination: Diphenoxylate: 2.5 hrs. Diphenoxylic acid: 12-14 hrs. Time to peak, serum: Approx. 2 hrs. Excretion: Primarily faeces, urine. ATROPINE: Onset: Within 40 mins. Duration: 2 wks. Absorption: Transconjunctival. Metabolism: Hepatic. Bioavailability: 63.5 ± 29%. Half-life elimination: Adults 16-58 yrs: 3 ± 0.9 hrs. 65-75 yrs: 10 ± 7.3 hrs. Children <2 yrs: 6.9 ±3.3 hrs. = 2yrs: 2.5 ± 1.2 hrs. Time to peak, plasma: 28 ± 27 mins. Time to peak effect: 2 hrs. Excretion: Urine (mainly). Faeces (small amounts).

Brands with this active ingredient

• Aditil
• Atrotil
• Dipotil
• Fymotil
• Gotil
• Lomoreta
• Lomoted
• Lomotil
• Rescotil
• Rexotil
• Temagate

Compiled by Healify Pharmacy from published drug references. How we compile it →

Always consult a pharmacist or doctor.