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Diphenoxylate - Indications, Dosage, Side Effects and Precautions

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Information about Diphenoxylate

Generic Name : Diphenoxylate
Up-to-date prescription details regarding Diphenoxylate are provided here.

Pronunciation : dye-fen-OX-i-late

Learn the correct pronunciation of the Diphenoxylate, understand it's uses, recommended dosages, its indications, how to take, when to take, when not to take, side effects, special precautions, warnings and its and its storage instructions.
You will also find a list of the medication's International and Indian brand or trade names, as well as its pricing information. For verification of the information presented on this page or for additional clarifications, it's advisable to consult your doctor.


Therapeutic Classification : Antidiarrheals

Trade Names/Brand Names of Diphenoxylate

India :

Overview of Diphenoxylate

• Diphenoxylate is used for the treatment of diarrhea.

Why is Diphenoxylate Prescribed? (Indications)

Diphenoxylate reduces the frequent bowel movement.
It is usually available in combination with atropine to prevent abuse.

When should Diphenoxylate not be taken? (Contraindications)

Diphenoxylate should not be used in patients with:

• Acute diarrhea caused by poison or infection since stopping the diarrhea could result in retention of the poison or the infectious agent in the body
• Obstructive jaundice
• Allergic to the drug
• Children, especially less than 6 years of age since breathing or brain function can get affected

Use with caution in:

• Acute ulcerative colitis, since the medication can cause toxic megacolon
• Liver disease
• Kidney disease

What is the dosage of Diphenoxylate?

• The recommended total daily dosage for the drug is 5 to 20 mg per day.

How should Diphenoxylate be taken?

• The tablet or liquid have to be taken in four divided doses as directed by the doctor.

What are the warnings and precautions for Diphenoxylate?

• It is important to take a proper amount of fluid and electrolytes to prevent dehydration (loss of fluid) due to diarrhea.

• Avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

What are the side effects of Diphenoxylate?

Gastrointestinal: Vomiting, nausea, loss of appetite, dry mouth, constipation, paralytic ileus, pancreatitis
Central nervous system: Headache, confusion, change in mood, dizziness, drowsiness
Heart: Increase in heart rate
Skin: Rash and itching, redness, dryness
Others: Fever, retention of urine, blurring of vision, limb numbness, allergic reaction

• Some of the adverse effects mentioned above are due to the atropine present in the tablet

What are the other precautions for Diphenoxylate?

• Do not increase the dose on your own without consulting your doctor.

What are the Drug Interactions of Diphenoxylate?

• Diphenoxylate interacts with alcohol, barbiturates and other central nervous system depressants, and can add to the drowsiness caused by these drugs.

• It should not be administered along with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAO inhibitors) due to a possible risk of hypertensive crisis.

What are the storage conditions for Diphenoxylate?

• Diphenoxylate should be stored at room temperature.
• Protect from heat and light.
• Keep it out of the reach of children.
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