Diphenoxylate/Atropine

Generic Name

diphenoxylate/atropine

Trade Name

Lomotil

Indication

Treatment for diarrhea

Action

Inhibits GI motility via anticholinergic effects

Therapeutic Class

antidiarrheal

Pharmacologic Class

anticholinergic

Nursing Considerations

Contraindicated with angle-closure glaucoma, dehydration

Structurally related to opioids so use caution with patients that have allergies to opioids

Side effects: constipation, tachycardia, dizziness, ileus

Monitor liver function as medication is excreted by the liver

Insure that client is taking medication as prescribed and not double dosing