Lomotil is the trade name of a popular oral anti-diarrheal drug in the United States, manufactured by Pfizer. Its UK BAN generic name is Co-phenotrope.
Its active ingredients are diphenoxylate and atropine. Diphenoxylate is anti-diarrheal and atropine is anticholinergic. Diphenoxylate is chemically related to the narcotic drug meperidine. A subtherapeutic amount of atropine sulfate is present to discourage deliberate overdosage. Atropine has no anti-diarrheal properties, but will cause tachycardia when overused. The medication diphenoxylate works by slowing down the movement of the intestines.
Other trade names for the same therapeutic combination are Lofene, Logen, Lomanate and Lonox, among others. In other countries, Lomotil may have other names.
In the United States, Lomotil (Diphenoxylate HCl and atropine sulfate) is classified as a Schedule V controlled substance by federal law, and is available only for a medical purpose.[1]
The drug combination is generally safe in short-term use and with recommended dosage. Long-term use may present problems of mild drug dependency. The dosage should be reduced after 48 h.
Lomotil may cause several side-effects, such as dry mouth, headache, constipation and blurred vision. Since it may cause also drowsiness or dizziness, Lomotil should not be used by motorists, operators of hazardous machinery, etc. It is not recommended for children under two years of age. In rare cases lomotil may cause paresthesia.
Treatment of Lomotil overdose must be initiated immediately after diagnosis and may include the following: emesis (induced vomiting), gastric lavage, ingestion of activated charcoal, laxative and a counteracting medication (narcotic antagonist).
Prompt and thorough treatment of overdose leads to a favorable outcome. After a narcotic antagonist is given, recovery is usually within 24 to 48 hours. Children are at risk of a very poor outcome and must be kept for observation.
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