Lomotil (Diphenoxylate Hydrochloride And Atropine Sulfate Monohydrate)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Lomotil Used For?
Lomotil is an anti-diarrheal medication that helps control both short-term and long-lasting episodes of diarrhea when used alongside other supportive measures like oral rehydration.
Primary Uses
Lomotil is used to treat acute (short-term) or chronic (long-lasting) diarrhea. It should be used together with other supportive treatments such as oral rehydration solutions.
How It Works
The main ingredient diphenoxylate works by slowing down the movements of your intestines, which reduces diarrhea. A small amount of atropine sulfate is included to prevent abuse – it causes unpleasant effects if you take more than the prescribed dose.
Good to know: Lomotil contains atropine specifically to discourage misuse by causing unpleasant effects if taken in larger than prescribed doses
How to Take Lomotil
Take Lomotil exactly as prescribed by your doctor. The dosage will be adjusted based on how well your diarrhea is controlled.
Dosage Instructions
The usual starting dose is 2 tablets three or four times daily until your diarrhea is under control. Do not take more than 8 tablets in 24 hours. Once your diarrhea is controlled, your doctor may reduce the dose to as few as 2 tablets per day. Your doctor may want you to stop taking Lomotil when your bowel movements return to normal.
What If You Miss a Dose?
Take Lomotil regularly at the same time each day. If you miss a dose and it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose as scheduled. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed one.
Important: Never take more than 8 tablets in 24 hours and never double your dose if you miss one
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Abdominal discomfort
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Lacking energy
- Depression or euphoria
- Headache
- Numbness of extremities
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Signs of allergic reaction: rash, allergic wheals and swelling, swelling of the gums
- Signs of atropine poisoning: unusually high fever, rapid heartbeat, unable to urinate, dry skin and mucous membranes, flushing of the skin
- Signs of overdose: slow shallow breathing or abnormally rapid breathing, pinpoint pupils or other visual changes, lethargy or coma
Important Warnings
There are several important conditions and situations where Lomotil should not be used or requires special caution.
Who Should Not Take Lomotil
Do not use Lomotil if you are allergic to diphenoxylate, atropine, or any other ingredients; have jaundice; have diarrhea caused by pseudomembranous enterocolitis (a serious gut infection that can occur during or after antibiotic treatment); have inflammatory bowel disease such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease; have bacterial colitis or amoebic colitis; or if the medication is past its expiry date or packaging is damaged.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have liver disease, kidney disease, Down’s Syndrome, or a history of drug abuse before taking Lomotil.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Check with your doctor if you are pregnant. Lomotil should not be taken near or at the time of giving birth because diphenoxylate can slow down breathing in newborn infants. If you are breastfeeding, talk to your doctor as the active ingredients may pass into breast milk and affect your infant.
Children Under 12: Do not give Lomotil to children under 12 years of age. Keep out of reach of children as accidental overdose can cause severe breathing problems or death
Drug Interactions
Some medications may interfere with how Lomotil works. Always tell your doctor about all medicines you are taking.
- Tranquillizers (medicines for calmness, anxiety, or sleep)
- Barbiturates (medicines for epilepsy and sleep)
- Antidepressants, especially monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI)
Alcohol & Driving
Lomotil can affect your ability to drive safely and may increase the effects of alcohol.
Alcohol
Do not drink alcohol while taking Lomotil. The medication may increase the effects of alcohol, making you feel more drowsy or dizzy.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how Lomotil affects you. The medication may cause dizziness or drowsiness in some people, so make sure you know how you react to it before driving or operating machinery.
Storage
Store Lomotil below 30°C in a cool, dry place away from moisture, heat, and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom, near a sink, in the car, or on window sills. Keep it where young children cannot reach it. If you no longer need the medicine or it’s out of date, take it to any pharmacy for safe disposal.
Overdose Information
If you think you have taken too much Lomotil, or if a child has accidentally taken it, get urgent medical attention immediately. Call the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital, even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. See your doctor straight away if diarrhea contains blood or continues for more than 2 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Lomotil works by slowing down intestinal movements to control diarrhea. You should take it until your diarrhea is under control, then your doctor may reduce the dose or have you stop when bowel movements return to normal.
The medication guide recommends eating as little as possible for the first few days while taking Lomotil. Stick to plain, bland foods like unbuttered toast, plain biscuits, boiled potatoes, rice, or pasta, then gradually return to your normal diet when diarrhea stops.
Addiction to Lomotil is possible at high doses. This is why atropine is included in the medication – to cause unpleasant effects if you take larger than prescribed doses and discourage abuse. Never exceed the recommended dose.
No, do not drink alcohol while taking Lomotil. The medication may increase the effects of alcohol, making you feel more drowsy or dizzy.
If you miss a dose and it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose as scheduled. Do not take a double dose to make up for the one you missed.
No, do not give Lomotil to children under 12 years of age. Keep the medication out of reach of children since accidental overdose can result in severe, even fatal breathing problems.
Drink plenty of liquids, such as oral rehydration solutions, to make sure you don’t become dehydrated. If you become very dehydrated, see your doctor to make sure this is corrected before continuing Lomotil.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.