Lomotil Tablet Uses and Side Effects

Lomotil is a prescription antidiarrheal drug that is taken to manage Diarrhea. Its active production components are diphenoxylate and atropine. It combines both in the management of decreased frequency of stools and also treats diarrhea. Knowing how Lomotil functions, its usage, potential side effects, and often-asked questions may clarify a proper understanding of its safe use and effectiveness.

 

What is Lomotil?

Lomotil is an antibiotic that is usually used to treat diarrhea. Diarrhea if not checked results from infections, change of diet and stresses hence may result in severe discomfort and difficulties in getting adequate water in the body. The Lomotil is prepared to treat acute and chronic diarrhea by slowing down the movement within the gut which subsequently means more absorption of water from the fecal content thus firmer stools.

The chemical in the drug is diphenoxylate, and it will inhibit bowel movement. The presence of atropine is just to avoid overdose because high levels of the medication result in some uncomfortable effects.

 

Preparation

• Lomotil mainly has;
• Diphenoxylate 2.5 mg
• Atropine 0.025 mg

That portion contains the minimal proportion of atropine; that is, it discourages abuse of the drugs since higher concentration of it will lead to effects such as dryness of mouth and blurred vision.

 

Uses of Lomotil

Lomotil is primarily prescribed for the following conditions:

 

1. Treatment of Diarrhea

Acute Diarrhea: Lomotil assists in controlling acute diarrhea that occurs because of infection, diet, or stress by reducing the movement in the intestine and thereby achieving rapid restoration of normal bowel movements.

Chronic Diarrheas: Lomotil is also prescribed for chronic disorders such as IBS and IBD. In such diseases, it also aids in maintaining control over bowel movements so that the degrees of discomfort can be minimized.

 

2. Pre-surgery

This drug is sometimes taken before operation so that gastro-intestinal action may be decreased. That part of the body is, therefore, easy to clean during operation. Therefore, by providing relief from diarrohea or dysentery, it actually decreases complexities in the whole process of doing surgeries on GI tract .

 

3. Symptomatic Relief

Lomotil can also treat symptoms resulting from diarrhea caused by disease, like gastroenteritis. It will indeed be a godsend for the people who undergo misery from infection.

 

How to Take Lomotil

 

Dose

Dosage for Lomotil varies according to age, condition, and response. Adults require the following dosages:

• First Dose: 4 mg (two tablets) after the first loose stool.
• Maintenance Dose: 2 mg (one tablet) after each subsequent loose stool, not to exceed 8 mg (four tablets) in a 24-hour period.

View More: Duphaston 10mg- Significance Uses Side Effects Benefits

Dosage and Administration

 

Lomotil is to be taken orally with or without food.

Take the dosage suggested by your doctor and the prescribed time for the treatment. Never overdose the drugs because taking it beyond the recommended dosage increases your chances of developing the side effects as well as getting addicted to the drug.

 

Side Effects of Lomotil

Even though Lomotil is tolerable overall, there can be varied forms of side effects that could easily be considered minor and serious in nature. Major ones are found in the subsection below.

 

Major Side Effects

• Drowsiness: A drowsiness, or in actual terms sleeping most patients report taking this medicine because they will eventually become even drowsy because of being provided with other types of medication in addition to other substances, mainly alcohol,.
• Dry Mouth: Salivary secretion decreases, and a person might develop difficulty in swallowing. Lozenges are helpful for keeping the mouth moist, but the patient should be on only sugar-free ones
• Constipation: Though Lomotil is given for not developing diarrhea, constipation does occur if long-term medication or high doses of the drug have been used. Constipation is very painful.

Severe Side Effects

• Allergic Reaction: Very rarely it may induce some side effects such as rash, itchiness, swelling or trouble in breathing. These are some of the symptoms that may be experienced and in case of occurrence a doctor should be contacted promptly.
• Dizziness: Dizziness due to a severe effect on lowering the blood pressure when standing up, and should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
• Abdominal Pain: It can be so acute and chronic, that a visit to the doctor has to be done at the moment because, it may point out to a severe critical health condition.

Precaution and Contraindications

Discuss the following before one starts taking the medication:

 

1. Medical History

Share your medical history completely especially if you have:

• Liver Disorder: The ability of the patient to metabolize drugs would be compromised and hence raise the chances of the patient experiencing side effects.
• Kidney Disorder: The pattern of drug elimination may alter for a patient who suffers from a kidney disorder. Therefore, a change in the dosage for such a patient would be necessary.
• Glaucoma: Intraocular pressure would be increased and would worsen the disease for glaucoma suffering patients.
• Prostate Problems: Tolerance to an enlarged prostate commonly cannot urinate as atropine is an anticholinergic.
• Drug Abuse History: All issues of drug abuse history should be disclosed to your doctor so that the safest treatment can be established.

2. Pregnancy and Lactation

Lomotil should be used during pregnancy only when clearly indicated. It is not known whether Lomotil is excreted in breast milk; the potential hazard to the nursing infant should be considered against the benefit from use in the mother.

 

3. Drug Interactions

The concomitant use of Lomotil with other drugs, such as:

• Sedatives and Tranquilizers: They are likely to enhance drowsiness and interfere with cognitive functions when given concurrently.
• Antidepressants: Certain ant depressive drugs have a sedative effect also, and interact with Lomotil.
• Skeletal Muscle Relaxants: These medications will add to the propensity for respiratory depression and drowsiness when combined with Lomotil.
• Other drugs that cause Drowsiness Always advise your doctor about any medicines you are currently using, prescription, over-the-counter, and all dietary supplements naturally.

Conclusion

Lomotil is perhaps one of the best drugs to use when treating the condition because it also relieves pain and bowel movements. It must be helpful, but one can think of its disadvantages and how to avoid them also. In the first place there is the need for the patient to see the doctor before consuming this medicine, and more so if he or she has any of the above mentioned ailments and or is taking any other medicine concurrently. People can use this medicine responsibly as directed to manage diarrhea successfully with minimal risk.

In summary, Lomotil is very important in the management of diarrhea but should always be taken on prescription from a health provider. Knowing its uses, adverse effects, and contraindications will enable patients to take control over their treatment.

Please book an appointment with the best General Physician in Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, and all major cities of Pakistan through InstaCare, or call our helpline at 03171777509 to find the verified doctor for your disease.