Atropine; Diphenoxylate tablets
Atropine; Diphenoxylate tablets
What is this medicine?
ATROPINE; DIPHENOXYLATE (A troe peen dye fen OX i late) 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. You can take the tablets with food. 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. Special care may be needed.
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
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):
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
medicines for movement abnormalities as in Parkinson's disease, or for gastrointestinal problems
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 at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from light. Keep container tightly closed.
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, diphenoxylate, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
If your symptoms do not start to get better after taking this medicine for two days, check with your doctor or health care professional, you may have a problem that needs further evaluation. 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. 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 doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe. Drinking plenty of water can also help prevent dehydration that can occur with diarrhea.
Updated:  
July 17, 2018