Atropine; Difenoxin oral tablets

What is this medicine?

ATROPINE; DIFENOXIN (A troe peen dye fen NOX in) is used to treat diarrhea.

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Once your diarrhea has been brought under control your doctor or health care professional may reduce your doses.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 12 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

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

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• bloated, swollen feeling

• breathing problems

• changes in vision

• facial flushing

• fast, irregular heartbeat

• stomach pain

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

• dizziness

• dry mouth

• headache

• loss of appetite

• mood changes

• nausea, vomiting

• numbness or tingling in the hands and feet

What may interact with this medicine?

• alcohol

• antihistamines for allergy, cough and cold

• barbiturate medicines for inducing sleep or treating seizures

• certain medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances

• certain medicines for sleep

• MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate

• muscle relaxants

• narcotic medicines (opiates) for pain

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.

Where should I keep my medicine?

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

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

Store between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F).

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

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 atropine, difenoxin, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Tell your doctor or healthcare professional if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse within two days of starting this medicine. Check with your doctor or health care professional 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 medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medicine. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.