Atropine/diphenoxylate

Diphenoxylate/atropine, also known as co-phenotrope, is a combination of the medications diphenoxylate and atropine, used to treat diarrhea.^[2][3] It should not be used in those in whom Clostridioides difficile infection is a concern.^[4] It is taken by mouth.^[2] Onset is typically within an hour.^[5]

Side effects may include abdominal pain,

Absolute contraindications are:^[9][10]

• Patients under 6 years of age
• Allergy to diphenoxylate or atropine
• Diarrhea associated with
  pseudomembranous enterocolitis, diarrhea caused by antibiotic treatment, or diarrhea caused by enterotoxin-producing bacteria
  , such as Clostridium difficile
• Obstructive jaundice

Side effects

The drug combination is generally safe in short-term use and with recommended dosage. In doses used for the treatment of diarrhea, whether acute or chronic, diphenoxylate has not produced addiction.

It may cause several

• Antidepressants (e.g. Elavil, Prozac)^[11]
• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (e.g. Nardil, Parnate)^{[citation needed}
  ]
• Opioid analgesics^[11]
• Sedatives (e.g. Ambien, Sonata)^[11]

Diarrhea that is caused by some antibiotics such as cefaclor, erythromycin or tetracycline can worsen. ^[12]

Toxicity

It may cause serious health problems when

The UK British Approved Name (BAN) generic name for diphenoxylate and atropine is co-phenotrope.^{[citation needed]}

As of 2018, the combination drug is marketed in the US and some other countries under the following brands: Atridol, Atrolate, Atrotil, Co-Phenotrope, Dhamotil, Dimotil, Intard, Logen, Lomanate, Lomotil, Lonox, and Reasec.^[14]

Legal status

In the United States, it is classified as a Schedule V controlled substance by federal law, and is available only for a medical purpose.^[15]

References