Lomotil
Lomotil Tablet is a medication used to treat diarrhea. It manages symptoms of diarrhea such as stomach pain, cramping, and loose stools. Lomotil Tablet is taken with or without food at the dose and duration recommended by the doctor. The dosages you are given will depend on the condition and how you respond to the medication. Lomotil belongs to the class of drugs called antidiarrheal drugs.
Lomotil uses
This medicine is used to treat diarrhoea. It helps to reduce the number and frequency of bowel movements. It works by slowing down the movement of the intestines. Diphenoxylate is similar to opioid pain relievers, but it acts mainly to slow down the intestine. Atropine belongs to a class of drugs known as anticholinergics, which help to dry body fluids and slow intestinal movements. This medicine cannot be used to treat diarrhea caused by certain types of infection. This medicine is not recommended for use in children younger than 6 years of age due to an increased risk of serious side effects.
Lomotil Side Effects
Some of the common side effects of Lomotil are:
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Numbness
- Depression
- Red or Swollen gums
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Skin rash
- Dryness
- Itching
Some of the serious side effects of Lomotil are:
- Constipation
- Diarrhea that is watery or bloody
- Severe pain in the upper stomach
- Fever
- Hallucinations
- Rapid breathing
- Irregular heart rate
- Dehydration
If you have any of these serious symptoms immediately contact your doctor for further assistance. In any case, due to Lomotil if you get any kind of reactions in your body try avoiding it.
A doctor advised you to take the medicines by seeing your problems and the benefits of this medicine are greater than the side effects. Majority of the people who use this medicine don’t show any side effects. Get medical help immediately if you get any serious Lomotil side effects.
Precautions
Before taking Lomotil talk with your doctor if you are allergic to it or any other medications. The product may contain some inactive ingredient which can cause some serious allergic reactions or some other serious problems. Before using the medication talk with your doctor if you are having any medical history such as:
- Liver Disease
- Dehydration
- Mineral imbalance
- Bowel disease
- Glaucoma
How to take Lomotil?
Take this medicine by mouth, usually 4 times a day or as prescribed by the doctor. The dose is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. In children, the dose is also based on weight. If you need to continue treatment once your diarrhea is controlled, your doctor may direct you to lower your dose. Do not increase your dose, take it more often, or use it longer than prescribed.
If you are using the liquid form of this medicine, carefully measure the dose using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not have the correct dose.
Lomotil tablets are available as a brand name and a generic medicine. The generic version is called diphenoxylate/atropine, and it also comes as a liquid solution that you take by mouth. Lomotil contains two active compounds: diphenoxylate and atropine. Neither drug is available on its own as a generic.
Lomotil Dosage
The Lomotil dosage prescribed by your doctor will depend on a number of factors. These include the following:
- The type and severity of the condition you use to treat Lomotil
- Other medical conditions that you may have
Drug forms and strengths
Lomotil is coming as a tablet. Each capsule contains 2.5 mg diphenoxylate hydrochloride and 0.025 mg atropine sulfate.
Missed Dose
Missing one or two-dose of Lomotil won’t show any effect on your body. The skipped dose causes no problem. But with some medication, it won’t work if you don’t take the dosage on time. If you miss a dose some sudden chemical change may affect your body. In some cases, your doctor would advise you to take the prescribed medicine as soon as possible if you have missed the dose.
Overdose
Overdose of a drug can be accidental. If you have taken more than the prescribed Lomotil tablets there is a chance of getting a harmful effect on your body’s functions. Overdose of a medicine can lead to some medical emergency.
How Lomotil Tablet Works?
Lomotil Tablet is a combination of two medicines: Diphenoxylate and Atropine, which are used to treat diarrhoea. Diphenoxylate is an opioid agonist that works by decreasing contraction of the intestines, making stools more solid and less frequent. Diphenoxylate may cause euphoria (high mood) and physical dependence at higher doses. Atropine is added in small quantities to prevent its abuse.
Warnings for Some Serious Health Conditions
Pregnancy
Lomotil Tablet may not be safe to use during pregnancy. Although limited studies have been conducted in humans, animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing child. Before you prescribe it, your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks. Please consult your doctor about this.
Breastfeeding
Lomotil Tablet is probably not safe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggest that the drug may pass into breastmilk and harm the child.
Storage
Direct contact with heat, air and light may damage your medicines. The exposure of medicine may cause some harmful effects. The medicine must be kept in a safe place and out of children’s reach.
Mainly the drug should be kept at room temperature between 68ºF and 77ºF (20ºC and 25ºC).
Before taking Lomotil consult your Doctor. In case if you face any problems or get any side effects after taking Lomotil rush immediately to your nearby hospital or consult your doctor for better treatment. Carry your medications always in your bag while travelling to avoid any immediate emergencies. Follow your prescription and follow your Doctor advice whenever you take Lomotil.
Lomotil Vs Imodium
Lomotil |
Imodium |
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Lomotil Tablet is a medication used to treat diarrhea. It manages symptoms of diarrhea such as stomach pain, cramping, and loose stools. | Imodium Capsule is used for the treatment of diarrhea. It should not be used in patients suffering from dysentery (diarrhea with blood). |
This medicine is used to treat diarrhoea. It helps to reduce the number and frequency of bowel movements. It works by slowing down movement of the intestines | This medicine is used to treat sudden diarrhea (including traveller diarrhea). It works by slowing down the movement of the intestine. This reduces the number of bowel movements and makes the stool less watery. |
Some of the common side effects of Lomotil are:
|
Most of the common side effects of Imodium are:
|