Diphenoxylate-Atropine Coupon & Discounts

Diphenoxylate-Atropine Information:

• What

What is diphenoxylate/atropine?

Diphenoxylate/atropine is a combination drug used to stop diarrhea. Diphenoxylate is the active ingredient that works to stop diarrhea by slowing movement in the intestines called peristalsis. Peristalsis is the relaxing and contracting movement that travels down the intestines, causing a squeezing action. Once this action ceases, the body has more time to absorb liquids that were consumed creating harder stools. Diphenoxylate is an opioid drug like morphine or oxycodone. Atropine is added to diphenoxylate to discourage drug abuse and addiction by producing a feeling of nausea and weakness in the consumer if too much medication is ingested. 

• How

How do I take diphenoxylate/atropine?

Diphenoxylate atropine comes as a tablet or a liquid to be taken orally. This medication is usually taken once every four hours until symptoms are under control. In some cases this may take up to 48 hours. Then the dosage may be reduced accordingly. Only use the measuring device provided if measuring liquid diphenoxylate atropine, especially if the dose is for a child.

• Precautions

Before taking diphenoxylate/atropine, tell your doctor if:

• You are taking prescription or nonprescription drugs, especially sedatives, sleeping medications, muscle relaxants, barbiturates, narcotic pain medications, and antihistamines.
• You regularly drink alcoholic beverages.
• You have or suspect other intestinal problems such as colitis, dysentery, food poisoning, or intestinal blockage.
• You have a history of kidney, liver, or heart disease.
• You are currently dehydrated or are deficient in certain minerals like potassium.
• You are pregnant or breast feeding.
• You have Down’s syndrome or myasthenia gravis.
• You are allergic to diphenoxylate, atropine, or any of the ingredients in this medication.
• You have an underactive or overactive thyroid.
• You have an enlarged prostate or trouble urinating.
• You have gallbladder disease or gallstones.
• Side Effects

What are the possible side effects of taking diphenoxylate/atropine?

Possible side effects from taking diphenoxylate and atropine include drowsiness, headache, dizziness, nausea, upset stomach, and loss of appetite. More serious side effects include stomach pain, bloating, accelerated heart rate, urinating less, confusion, depression, allergic reaction, and a numb feeling in the hands or feet, and worsening diarrhea. Stop using this medication and contact your doctor at once if you experience a serious or severe side effect.

• Missed Dose

What if I forget to take a dose of diphenoxylate/atropine?

If you are taking this medication regularly and you miss a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Do not take a double dose of diphenoxylate with atropine to compensate for a missed dose. Do not exceed one dose every four hours.

• Storage

How do I store diphenoxylate/atropine?

Store diphenoxylate atropine tightly closed in its container at a temperature between 59 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit. Protect your medication from light and moisture and keep it out of reach of children and pets. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of this medication. Do not flush it down the toilet or empty the liquid down the drain.

• Overdose

What happens if I overdose on diphenoxylate/atropine?

An overdose of diphenoxylate with atropine can be dangerous and lead to respiratory depression. Other signs of overdose include dry skin and dry mucous membranes, dilated pupils, flushing, feeling restless, fever or hyperthermia, and lastly slowed breathing and coma. If you or someone you know has overdosed on diphenoxylate with atropine, call the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 and then bring the victim to the emergency room if needed.

• Additional Info

Warnings

Diphenoxylate/atropine should not be taken with alcohol. This medication is not the best option for treating diarrhea in young children. Consider an alternative mediation if possible. It is not approved for children under 2 years of age.  If you must give this medication to a child, measure doses carefully using a measuring device that is only for medication. An excessive dose of diphenoxylate with atropine can easily cause respiratory depression in a young child. This medication does not work for treating diarrhea from certain bacterial infections. Check with your doctor to be sure of the cause of diarrhea before administering this medication.

Brand Names

Brand names for the generic drug diphenoxylate/atropine include Lomotil and Lonox. Search our site for free printable coupons to get up to 88% off the pharmacy price of generic diphenoxylate/atropine.  Also search for brand-name products like Lomotil and get up to 83% off the retail price using our coupons.