Approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1960 — President Kennedy and the Apollo Space Team reportedly used it — Lomotil comes in both liquid and pill form. (Lonox is another brand name for the same drug.)
As the generic name suggests, Lomotil, which is manufactured by Pfizer, mixes two drugs: diphenoxylate, an antidiarrheal, and atropine, an anticholinergic. Diphenoxylate works by slowing down the internal movements of the bowels.
Diphenoxylate is a narcotic, and a touch of atropine (0.025 milligrams), which in large doses can bring on nausea, was added to discourage deliberate overdosing on the combo pill.
Lomotil Warnings
Lomotil needs to be used with special caution in children younger than 2 years old, as overdosage can result in severe breathing problems and coma, which could end in permanent brain damage or death.Children are also more susceptible to atropine poisoning.
Only the liquid form should be given to children, using the plastic dropper that comes with it to measure the doses.
Doctors have also prescribed Lomotil "off label" for long-term treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), ulcerative colitis, and Crohn's disease.
Before you begin your treatment with Lomotil, you need to tell your doctor about any allergies, and whether you're taking barbiturates (e.g., phenobarbital or secobarbital, or tranquilizers. You also need to mention any monoamine oxidase inhibitors, or MAOIs, as these could affect your Lomotil dosage.
Certain antihistamines, anti-seizure drugs, drugs for sleep or anxiety, painkillers (such as codeine), or muscle relaxants also need to be discussed with your doctor, along with any medical conditions, such as liver disease (jaundice, cirrhosis), or diarrhea brought on by such bacterial infections as E. coli, Salmonella, or Shigella (an intestinal disease), as there's a danger Lomotil can make these infections worse, and it certainly won't cure you of them.
You also need to tell your doctor if you have ever had ulcerative colitis, emphysema, asthma, bronchitis, or other chronic lung infections.
Pregnancy and Lomotil
Lomotil is in Pregnancy Category C, according to the FDA, which means that harm to a woman’s fetus cannot be ruled out. Nonetheless, the drug’s benefits to the mother may outweigh the potential risks to her developing fetus.Since there are no well-controlled studies of the effect of Lomotil on pregnant women, it's important that your doctor know if you are pregnant or are breastfeeding, as the drug may be excreted in breast milk.
Lomotil Side Effects
Common Side Effects of Lomotil
- Euphoria
- Depression
- Lethargy or drowsiness
- Confusion or dizziness
- Restlessness
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Mood changes
- Dryness of the skin, nose, or mouth
Serious Side Effects of Lomotil
- Numbness in arms and legs
- Decreased urination, increased thirst (signs of dehydration)
- Dizziness, lightheadedness
- Ongoing pain that begins in the stomach and might expand to the back
- Abdominal bloating
- Rapid heart beat
- Shortness of breath
- Hives
- Rash or itching
- Swelling of the eyes, face, tongue, lips, gums, mouth, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing
- Hoarseness
Central nervous side effects , including coma, might be more likely to occur in patients with liver disease.
Patients with Down syndrome are more vulnerable to the atropine poisoning.
Severe pain in the eye might occur in patients with glaucoma, but the chance of that happening is small.
Lomotil Interactions
Lomotil and Alcohol
Avoid consuming alcohol while taking Lomotil, as Lomotil will intensify the effects of alcohol and other medications that slow down the central nervous system, and augment the sedative effect of the drug.Lomotil and Other Drug Interactions
Known drug interactions include:- Barbiturates
- Tranquilizers
- Sedatives
- Antihistamines
- Prescription painkillers
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors, or MAOIs: Marplan (isocarboxazid), Nardil (phenelzine sulfate), Parnate (tranylcypromine sulfate), and Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar - brand names for selegilne and used to treat Parkinson's disease
- Ambenonium (Mytelase)
- Naltrexone (ReVia)
- Potassium
Lomotil and Other Interactions
You can take Lomotil with or without food. Since Lomotil can cause dizziness and make you sleepy, don't drive, operate machinery, or do anything that requires you to be alert.Lomotil Dosage
- In the pill form, the recommended initial dose for adults and teenagers is 5 mg (two pills), taken three or four times a day. Then the dose is usually reduced to 5 mg (two pills) once a day.
- Children younger than 12 years old should receive only the liquid form
- In the liquid form, the recommended initial dose for adults and teenagers is 10 ml (2 teaspoonfuls) three or four times a day. Then the dose is usually lowered to 10 ml (2 teaspoonfuls) once a day.
- For children ages 2 through 12, the recommended initial dose depends on the child's weight
- Children younger than 2 years old should not be given Lomotil in any form
Lomotil and Other Interactions
Lomotil can be taken with food, especially if the drug upsets your stomach.You must drink plenty of water while taking Lomotil to prevent dehydration.
Avoid fruits and vegetables, fried and spicy foods, and bran.
Lomotil Overdose
Contact a poison control center or get to an emergency immediately if you believe you have taken too much Lomotil, as an overdose can cause respiratory problems, and may result in permanent brain damage or death.Symptoms of an Overdose Include:
- Drowsiness
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Rapid heartbeat
- Elevated body temperature, dryness, and flushing of the skin
- Muscle weakness
Missed Dose of Lomotil
Take it as soon as you remember, but if it is close to the time of your next dose, skip it and get back on schedule. Do not play catch-up by doubling the dose.Lomotil Pictures
