Diphenoxylate and Atropine

Diphenoxylate and atropine is used to control diarrhea. This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Diphenoxylate and atropine comes as a tablet and liquid to take by mouth. It is usually taken as needed up to four times a day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. The liquid comes in a container with a special dropper. Use the dropper to measure the exact dose carefully. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about how to measure a dose. Diphenoxylate can be habit-forming. Do not take a larger dose, take it more often, or for a longer period than your doctor tells you to. Stopping the medicine suddenly after taking it for a long time may cause withdrawal. Symptoms of withdrawal include muscle cramps, stomach cramps, unusual sweating, upset stomach and vomiting, and shaking or trembling.

<p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Diphenoxylate and atropine may cause side effects. To avoid thirst and dry mouth, drink a lot of fluids, chew gum, or suck sugarless hard candies.</p> <p></p> <p>If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

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severe upset stomach and vomiting</li>
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severe stomach pain</li>
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bloating</li>
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severe drowsiness</li>
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palpitations</li>
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swelling</li>
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rash</li>
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loss of appetite</li>
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dryness of the skin, nose, or mouth,</li>
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difficulty breathing</li>
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convulsions</li></ul>If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at <a href='http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch'>http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch</a>] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].</p>

Before taking Diphenoxylate and atropine, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to diphenoxylate, atropine, or any other drugs. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially MAO inhibitors (phenelzine [Nardil] and tranylcypromine [Parnate]), muscle relaxants, narcotic cough or pain relievers, sleeping pills, tranquilizers, and vitamins. tell your doctor if you have or have ever had chronic lung disease, ulcerative colitis, or liver disease or a history of alcohol abuse. before having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking this medicine. you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you. remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.