Lomotil: Uses, indications and precautions when using

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Lomotil is indicated for the treatment of diarrhea. Lomotil helps reduce the number and frequency of bowel movements by slowing bowel movements. The following article will help you better understand the uses, indications and notes when using Lomotil.

1. Uses and usage of Lomotil

1.1. Uses of the drug Lomotil This medicine is indicated for the treatment of diarrhea . It helps reduce the number and frequency of bowel movements by slowing bowel movements. Diphenoxylate is similar to an opioid pain reliever, but it works primarily to slow bowel movements. Atropin belongs to the class of anticholinergic drugs, which help dry up fluids in the body and also slow bowel movements. This medicine is not used to treat diarrhea caused by certain types of infections (such as diarrhea caused by C. difficile following antibiotic therapy).
Diarrhea will cause loose or watery stools which may be frequent. When you have diarrhea that lasts for a short time (one to two days), it is considered acute and may be related to a short-term illness such as gastroenteritis. Lomotil is commonly used to treat acute diarrhea.
Lomotil can also be used for chronic diarrhea (lasting four weeks or longer). This type of diarrhea may be related to a gastrointestinal (stomach) condition.
When you have diarrhea, your digestive muscles contract too quickly. This causes food to move quickly through the stomach and intestines, and your body cannot absorb water or electrolytes (vitamins and minerals). For example, stools are large and watery, which can lead to dehydration (dehydration in the body).
Lomotil works by slowing down the digestive process and relaxing the digestive muscles. This allows food to move more slowly through your stomach and intestines. Your body can absorb water and electrolytes, resulting in less watery stools and fewer bowel movements.
1.2. How to take Lomotil Take Lomotil by mouth, usually 4 times a day, or as directed by your doctor. This dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Lomotil is approved for both adults and children 13 years of age and older.
If you are using the liquid form of this medicine, measure the dose carefully with a special measuring spoon/gauge. Do not use a household spoon as you may not get the correct dose.
Lomotil can cause vomiting, leading to dehydration (dehydration in the body). Diarrhea, a condition that Lomotil treats, can also cause dehydration.
To avoid dehydration, drink plenty of water and other liquids like juice. Drinks with electrolytes (vitamins and minerals), such as Gatorade for adults or Pedialyte for children, may also be helpful. Call your doctor right away if you develop signs of dehydration (e.g., extreme thirst, decreased urination, muscle cramps, weakness, fainting). You may also need to change to a bland diet during this time to reduce stomach/intestinal irritation. Please consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Dosage for diarrhea When you start using Lomotil, your doctor will prescribe two tablets four times a day. Do not take more than eight tablets (20mg diphenoxylate) per day. Continue this dosage until your diarrhea begins to improve (stools become harder), which should happen within 48 hours.
Once your diarrhea begins to improve, your doctor will likely reduce your dose to as little as two tablets a day. You will stop taking Lomotil once your diarrhea stops.
If you are taking Lomotil and your diarrhea does not improve within 10 days, tell your doctor. They may ask you to stop using Lomotil and will try another treatment.
Children's dosage Children from 13 to 17 years old can take Lomotil. Dosage will be the same as for adults (see “Dosage for Diarrhea” above).
Note: Children under 13 years old should not take Lomotil tablets. (Although this drug is not approved for children under 13 years of age, there is a special warning for children under 6 years of age.
Children 2 years of age and older can receive oral liquid solution of diphenoxylate/ atropine, available only as a generic. If you want your child to try diphenoxylate/atropine liquid solution, talk to their doctor

2. Some notes and side effects when using Lomotil

2.1. Some precautions while taking Lomotil What happens if I miss a dose? If you miss a dose and it is almost time for you to take it, take that dose. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip that dose and take your next dose at your regularly scheduled time.
To make sure you don't miss a dose, try setting a reminder on your phone. A medication timer can also be helpful.
Do I need to take this medicine long-term? If you and your doctor determine that Lomotil is safe and effective for you, you can take it short-term or long-term, depending on the type of diarrhea you have.
2.2. Some side effects of using Lomotil Lomotil have the potential to cause mild or serious side effects. Below are some of the main side effects that can occur while taking Lomotil. These lists will not include all possible side effects.
For more information about the possible side effects of Lomotil, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. They can give you tips on how to deal with any potentially bothersome side effects.
Common Lomotil side effects Common Lomotil side effects may include :
Headache Feeling dizzy or drowsy Skin itching and rash Stomach pain, nausea or vomiting Dry skin or dry mouth Feeling restless Irritability Loss of appetite Most of these side effects go away within a few days or weeks. If they get worse or don't go away, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Serious side effects from Lomotil Serious side effects from Lomotil are not common, but they can happen. Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you have serious side effects.
Serious side effects and their symptoms can be:
Mood swings. Symptoms may include: Feeling depressed (sad or hopeless) Feeling euphoric (such as extremely happy or excited) Hallucinations. Symptoms may include: Seeing or hearing something that isn't there Poisoning from atropine (an ingredient in Lomotil) or an opioid side effect from diphenoxylate (an ingredient in Lomotil). Symptoms may include: Higher heart rate Feeling very hot Difficulty urinating Dry skin and mouth Allergies Respiratory failure (slowed breathing) or central nervous system depression (loss of brain function) occurs in Children under 6 years old. Side effect details : Allergies
As with most medicines, some people may experience an allergic reaction after taking Lomotil. Symptoms of a mild allergic reaction may include:
Skin rash Itching Flushing (like heat and redness on your skin) Some more serious allergic reactions are rare but possible. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction can be:
Swelling under the skin, usually on your eyelids, lips, hands or feet Swelling of your tongue, mouth, throat and gums Difficulty breathing Call your doctor your doctor or get medical help right away if you have a serious allergic reaction to Lomotil.
Drowsiness
You may feel drowsy while using Lomotil. If you take a normal dose of Lomotil, any drowsiness you experience should be mild. Drowsiness may be more severe if you use more Lomotil than your doctor prescribes.
It is important not to use more medicine than prescribed as it can lead to serious side effects. Using certain medicines together with Lomotil or drinking alcohol while taking Lomotil can make drowsiness worse.
Until you know how you feel while using Lomotil, do not drive while taking it or do other activities that require alertness or concentration.
Call your doctor at once if you feel very drowsy while taking Lomotil.

Nausea
You may experience nausea or vomiting while using Lomotil. Vomiting several times a day for more than a day or two can lead to dehydration (loss of body water) and weight loss. These side effects of vomiting can be very serious.
To avoid dehydration from vomiting, drink plenty of water and other liquids such as juice. Drinks with electrolytes (such as vitamins and minerals), such as Gatorade for adults or Pedialyte for children, can also help.
Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you which medicines may be safe for you to take to relieve nausea while you are taking Lomotil.
Respiratory depression or central nervous system depression
Lomotil has the potential to cause respiratory depression (slowed breathing) or CNS depression (loss of brain function) in children under 6 years of age. This can lead to difficulty breathing, coma, and death. Lomotil is only approved for children age 13 and older.
If your child is taking Lomotil and starts to have any symptoms of respiratory distress (such as slow breathing) or central nervous system depression (such as feeling drowsy), talk to your doctor. their officer. If their symptoms are severe, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Constipation
Constipation is not a side effect of Lomotil. Atropine, which is one of the ingredients in Lomotil, can cause constipation at higher doses. However, the amount of atropin is so low at a normal dose of Lomotil that you are not likely to become constipated.
If you feel constipated while taking Lomotil, talk to your doctor. They may reduce your dose.

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Reference sources: webmd.com, medicalnewstoday.com