Diphenoxylate and Atropine are combined in this medicine.
Diphenoxylate + Atropine is used together with other medicines to treat diarrhoea.
This medicine slows down the movement of the gut contents and makes the stools firmer and less watery. It also helps to reduce the number of times you need to run to the toilet.
Take Diphenoxylate + Atropine exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
You may take this medicine with or without food. You may take this medicine with food to reduce any stomach discomfort that it may cause. Try to take it at the same time each day.
You may stop taking Diphenoxylate + Atropine once you feel better or if you have no more diarrhoea unless instructed otherwise by the doctor.
If you forget to take a dose, take a dose after the next loose stool.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes with stomach pain, persistent tiredness, nausea or vomiting)
- diarrhoea due to pseudomembranous enterocolitis (inflammation of the lining of the colon [large intestine])
- diarrhoea due to inflammatory bowel disease (a group of disorders that cause pain and swelling of the intestines) e.g. Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis
- partial or complete blockage of the bowel
- myasthenia gravis (muscle weakness disorder)
- paralytic ileus (temporary paralysis of the muscle contractions that move food through your intestines)
- increased pressure in the eye
- enlarged prostate gland
- head injury
Do not give this medicine to children below 6 years old unless instructed to do so by the doctor.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- liver disease
- kidney disease
- history of drug addiction
- severe dehydration
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving this medicine to a child and the elderly. Children and elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.
Diphenoxylate + Atropine may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or restlessness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Other side effects include any of the following: nausea, vomiting, constipation, stomach discomfort, loss of appetite, headache, tiredness, confusion, feeling of intense excitement and happiness, numbness of hands and feet, and seeing, hearing or feeling things that are not existent.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- signs of severe allergic reaction e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes or mouth
- fever, rapid heart rate, difficulty urination, dry skin, blushing
- signs of respiratory depression e.g. severe shortness of breath, slow and shallow breathing, tiredness
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking or using any of these medicines:
- medicines to treat depression such as monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) e.g. selegiline, procarbazine, furazolidone, or tricyclic antidepressants (TCA) e.g. amitriptyline, nortriptyline, desipramine
- medicines to treat various conditions such as anxiety, seizures or sleep disorder e.g. diazepam, phenobarbital
- strong painkiller
- medicines to block pain and sensation
- medicines for mood disorders e.g. phenothiazines, butyrophenones, clozapine
- medicines for cold or allergy
- medicines to relax the muscles
- amantadine (medicine to treat Parkinson's disease [a disorder that affects the movement of a person, causing symptoms such as tremors, muscle stiffness, slowed movement and impaired balance or walking])
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Diphenoxylate + Atropine.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol. Alcohol intake may worsen the dizziness and drowsiness caused by Diphenoxylate + Atropine.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Protect from light.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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