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Overview: Diphenoxylate/atropine is a combination medicine that is used to treat diarrhea. Common side effects can include drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, and stomach problems. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how diphenoxylate/atropine affects you. If you have trouble swallowing tablets, diphenoxylate/atropine also comes as an oral liquid. Keep this medicine away from children because it may increase their risk of breathing problems and death.

Uses

What is diphenoxylate/atropine used for?

Diphenoxylate/atropine is a combination medicine commonly used to treat diarrhea.

Diphenoxylate/atropine may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does diphenoxylate/atropine work (mechanism of action)?

Diphenoxylate works to relax the muscles in your stomach and slow down the movement of food through your digestive system. Atropine is added to help prevent people from taking too much of this medicine.

How is diphenoxylate/atropine supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Di-Atro
  • Logen
  • Lomanate
  • Lomotil
  • Lonox
  • Lo-Trol
  • Low-Quel

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 2.5 mg/0.025 mg oral tablets
  • 2.5 mg/0.025 mg per 5 mL oral solution

How should I store diphenoxylate/atropine?

Oral Tablets. Diphenoxylate/atropine tablets should be stored at room temperature, below 77 F (25 C).

Oral Liquid. Diphenoxylate/atropine liquid should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place. Once diphenoxylate/atropine liquid has been opened, throw it away after 90 days.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of diphenoxylate/atropine?

The most common side effects of diphenoxylate/atropine are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Drowsiness or dizziness
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Stomach problems
  • Headache
  • Mood changes, including depression, intense happiness, or confusion
  • Blurred vision

There may be other side effects of diphenoxylate/atropine that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of diphenoxylate/atropine?

While less common, the most serious side effects of diphenoxylate/atropine are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Diphenoxylate/atropine may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking diphenoxylate/atropine and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Dehydration. Diphenoxylate/atropine may cause dehydration. Dehydration may lead to low blood pressure, especially when you stand up (orthostatic hypotension), or kidney damage. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of dehydration, low blood pressure, or kidney damage.

  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Weakness or unusual tiredness
  • Confusion
  • Unsteadiness
  • Peeing less than normal
  • Swelling in your legs, ankles, and feet
  • Loss of appetite or nausea
  • Difficulty catching your breath or chest pain or pressure
  • Seizures
  • Extreme thirst

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use diphenoxylate/atropine?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take diphenoxylate/atropine.

  • Atropine
  • Di-Atro
  • Diphenoxylate
  • Logen
  • Lomanate
  • Lomotil
  • Lonox
  • Lo-Trol
  • Low-Que
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific diphenoxylate/atropine products they stock.

Children. Children who are less than 6 years old should not take diphenoxylate/atropine. This medicine may increase their risk of breathing problems and death. 

Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea or Traveler’s Diarrhea. Diphenoxylate/atropine should not be taken if you have diarrhea caused by certain bacteria such as Clostridium difficile (C. diff), toxigenic Escherichia coli (E. coli), salmonella, or shigella.

Obstructive Jaundice. People who have a condition called obstructive jaundice should not take diphenoxylate/atropine. This condition is where the normal flow of bile from your liver to your small intestines is blocked. Bile helps your body break down fats from the foods you eat. 

What should I know about diphenoxylate/atropine before using it?

Do not take diphenoxylate/atropine unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Take it as prescribed. Also, take any fluid or electrolyte therapy your health care provider may recommend.

Do not share diphenoxylate/atropine with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep diphenoxylate/atropine out of the reach of children. Diphenoxylate/atropine is a controlled substance because it can be misused or lead to dependence. Store diphenoxylate/atropine in a safe place to protect it from theft. It is illegal to sell or give away this medicine.

If you have been taking diphenoxylate/atropine for 10 days and your diarrhea does not get better, stop taking diphenoxylate/atropine and call your health care provider. 

Diphenoxylate/atropine can affect your alertness or coordination. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how diphenoxylate/atropine affects you.

Use an accurate measuring device to measure your dose of diphenoxylate/atropine liquid. A household spoon is not an accurate measuring device and may cause you to take the wrong dose. Ask your pharmacist what measuring device to use.

What should I tell my health care provider before using diphenoxylate/atropine?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if diphenoxylate/atropine is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Diphenoxylate/atropine may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking diphenoxylate/atropine, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how diphenoxylate/atropine could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. Diphenoxylate/atropine passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take diphenoxylate/atropine while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does diphenoxylate/atropine interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between diphenoxylate and nonalcoholic drinks.

Avoid drinking alcohol while taking diphenoxylate/atropine. The risk of drowsiness and dizziness may be increased if you drink alcohol while taking diphenoxylate/atropine.

Does diphenoxylate/atropine interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking diphenoxylate/atropine.

  • A monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), which is a medicine usually used for depression or Parkinson’s disease
  • An opioid, such as codeine, fentanyl, meperidine, morphine, or oxycodone, which is a medicine used to treat certain types of pain
  • Any other medicine that causes dizziness and sleepiness, such as prescription pain medicines, sleep medicines, muscle relaxants, or medicines for anxiety

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with diphenoxylate/atropine. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much diphenoxylate/atropine?

If you or someone else has used too much diphenoxylate/atropine, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222. Signs and symptoms of an overdose from diphenoxylate/atropine can include an increase in body temperature, fast heartbeat, trouble emptying your bladder, redness and warmth of your skin, or dry skin/dry mouth. 

What should I do if I miss a dose of diphenoxylate/atropine?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.