Lomotil

Atropine has various effects on the body, including decreasing spasms in the bladder, stomach, and intestines.

Diphenoxylate is a medication that helps to treat diarrhea.

Lomotil is a combination medicine used to treat diarrhea in adults and children who are at least 13 years old.

Lomotil may also be used for other reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Measure liquid medicine carefully. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

Drink plenty of liquids to avoid dehydration while you have diarrhea. Your doctor may recommend an electrolyte supplement such as Gatorade or Pedialyte. Carefully follow all care instructions.

It may take up to 48 hours before your symptoms improve. Keep using the medication as directed. Call your doctor if you still have diarrhea after 10 days, or if you have a fever.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Keep this medicine where a child cannot reach it. An overdose of atropine and diphenoxylate can be fatal to a child.

Do not use this medicine if your diarrhea is caused by bacteria or by taking an antibiotic. You should not use Lomotil if you have a bile duct disorder that causes jaundice (yellowing of your skin or eyes).

Keep this medicine out of the reach of children. An overdose can be fatal to a child.

You should not use Lomotil if you are allergic to atropine or diphenoxylate, or if you have:

• obstructive jaundice (a bile duct disorder that may cause yellowing of your skin or eyes);
• diarrhea that is caused by bacteria; or
• diarrhea caused by using antibiotic medication.

Lomotil is not approved for use by anyone younger than 6 years old. This medicine has not been proven safe or effective in children younger than 13 years old.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• a blockage in your intestines;
• ulcerative colitis;
• asthma or other breathing problems;
• glaucoma;
• urination problems;
• liver or kidney disease;
• Down's syndrome; or
• if you are dehydrated.

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.

It may not be safe to breast-feed a baby while you are using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risks.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Some side effects may occur up to 30 hours after you take Lomotil.

This medicine may cause serious side effects. Stop using this medicine and call your doctor right away if you have:

• severe constipation, stomach pain or bloating;
• ongoing or worsening diarrhea;
• diarrhea that is watery or bloody;
• severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back;
• fever, flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling);
• hallucinations, seizure;
• rapid breathing, weak or shallow breathing;
• fast heart rate; or
• dehydration symptoms--feeling very thirsty or hot, being unable to urinate, heavy sweating, or hot and dry skin.

Common side effects of Lomotil may include:

• drowsiness, dizziness, feeling restless;
• headache;
• numbness in your hands or feet;
• depression, not feeling well;
• confusion, feelings of extreme happiness;
• red or swollen gums;
• dry mouth, nose, or throat;
• nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, loss of appetite; or
• skin rash, dryness, or itching.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Take the medicine as soon as possible, but skip the missed dose if it is nearly time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at the same time.

Seek emergency medical help or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. Taking too much Lomotil can lead to breathing problems and may cause death or lasting brain damage.

Early signs of an overdose include weakness, blurred vision, slurred speech, feeling hot, fast heartbeats, slow breathing, fainting, seizures, or coma. Tell your doctor about any early overdose symptoms as soon as you can.

Do not drive or engage in dangerous activities until you know how Lomotil will affect you. Your reactions might be affected.

Do not let yourself get too hot or dehydrated while exercising, in hot weather, or by not drinking enough fluids. Follow your doctor's guidance on the type and amount of liquids you should consume.

Drinking alcohol with this medicine can lead to side effects.

Using this medicine with other drugs that make you drowsy can make you feel more drowsy. Ask your doctor before using opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, cold or allergy medicine, or medicine for anxiety, depression, or seizures.

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines. Some may affect Lomotil, especially:

• medicine to treat Parkinson's disease;
• medicine to treat excess stomach acid, stomach ulcer, motion sickness, or irritable bowel syndrome;
• bladder or urinary medicines;
• a bronchodilator; or
• an MAO inhibitor--isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, and others.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect Lomotil, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.