Diphenoxylate; Atropine Tablets

What is this medication?

DIPHENOXYLATE; ATROPINE (dye fen OX i late A troe peen) treats diarrhea. It works by slowing down an overactive bowel, which decreases the number of bowel movements you have. It belongs to a group of medications called antidiarrheals.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Lomotil, Lonox, Vi-Atro

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Bacterial food poisoning
• Colitis
• Dehydration
• Down's syndrome
• Jaundice or liver disease
• An unusual or allergic reaction to diphenoxylate, atropine, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. You can take the tablets with food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medication more often than directed. Once your diarrhea has been brought under control your care team may reduce your doses.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Elderly patients may be more sensitive to the effects of this medication.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

• Alcohol
• Antihistamines for allergy, cough and cold
• Barbiturate medications for inducing sleep or treating seizures
• Certain medications for depression, anxiety, or mental health conditions
• Certain medications for sleep
• Medications for movement abnormalities, as in Parkinson's disease, or for gastrointestinal problems
• Muscle relaxants
• Opioid medications for pain

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

If your symptoms do not start to get better after taking this medication for two days, check with your care team, you may have a problem that needs further evaluation. Check with your care team right away if you develop a fever or bloody diarrhea.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medication affects you. Alcohol can increase possible drowsiness and dizziness. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your care team if the problem does not go away or is severe. Drinking plenty of water can also help prevent dehydration that can occur with diarrhea.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Anticholinergic toxicity—flushed face, blurry vision, dry mouth and skin, confusion, fast or irregular heartbeat, trouble passing urine, constipation
• CNS depression—slow or shallow breathing, shortness of breath, feeling faint, dizziness, confusion, trouble staying awake

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Confusion
• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Extreme feeling of happiness or joy, intense excitement
• Stomach pain

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets. This medication can be abused. Keep your medication in a safe place to protect it from theft. Do not share this medication with anyone. Selling or giving away this medication is dangerous and against the law.

This medication may cause accidental overdose and death if taken by other adults, children, or pets. Mix any unused medication with a substance like cat litter or coffee grounds. Then throw the medication away in a sealed container like a sealed bag or a coffee can with a lid. Do not use the medication after the expiration date.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from light. Keep container tightly closed.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.