Lomotil (diphenoxylate)

Lomotil is an antidiarrhoeal drug produced in 1960. Each tablet contains 2.5 mg of diphenoxylate and a small amount of atropine. It does not put right an infection in the bowel; it only controls the signs. Chemically it is a drug of the narcotic group, and the atropine prevents its misuse. Very uncommonly it is habit-forming; it does not affect sexual function.

How it works

It slows the working of the passage through the bowel, which the diarrhoea has sped up, and so reduces the diarrhoea; it also thereby settles the cramps caused by that hurried passage.

Dosage and use

The dose used varies with the patient’s age and weight. The average daily dose is one to four tablets. In very severe cases higher doses are used. It is generally used for a short time in acute diarrhoea, but long-term use is in question in chronic diarrhoea.

It may be taken on an empty stomach or with food. If possible, chew the drug and take it with plenty of water. You can stop the drug when your complaints have gone. In those who have taken the drug for a long time it should be reduced before being stopped.

Side effects

If side effects are seen you should tell the doctor: rash, severe itching, unexplained fever, bloating of the stomach and vomiting. If there is constipation, dryness of the mouth or mild drowsiness, there is no need to telephone the doctor.

Take care

It does not treat the infection in the bowel. If you see a change in your bowel habit or blood in the stool, tell the doctor. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, if you have prostate trouble or glaucoma, or if you are taking a sedative, a tranquilliser or a drug of the MAO inhibitor group, tell your doctor.