Vallerand, A. H., Sanoski, C. A., & Quiring, C. (2020). Diphenoxylate/atropine.

In Davis's Drug
Guide (16th edition). F.A. Davis Company.
https://nursing.unboundmedicine.com/nursingcentral/view/Davis-Drug-
Guide/51226/all/diphenoxylate_atropine
Medication/ Dose Route/Frequency Lomotil I don’t have a pt with this currently

Generic/Trade diphenoxylate/atropine

Classification Ther. Class.

antidiarrheals
Pharm. Class.
anticholinergics
Controlled Substance Schedule: V(diphenoxylate/atropine)IV(difenoxin/atropine)

Why is Client Receiving? I do not have a pt currently with this med

Therapeutic Effect- What does it do? Decreased GI motility with subsequent decrease in
diarrhea.

Mechanism of Action- How does it do it? Inhibits excess GI motility.

 Structurally related to opioid analgesics but has no analgesic properties.
 Atropine added to discourage abuse.

Adverse Effects CNS: dizziness, confusion, drowsiness, headache, insomnia, nervousness

CV: tachycardia
Derm: flushing
EENT: blurred vision, dry eyes
GI: constipation, dry mouth, epigastric distress, ileus, nausea, vomiting
GU: urinary retention

NSG Implications Assess the frequency and consistency of stools and bowel sounds prior to
and throughout therapy.
 Assess patient's fluid and electrolyte balance and skin turgor for dehydration.

Patient Education Instruct patient to take medication as directed. Do not take more than the
prescribed amount because of the habit-forming potential and risk of overdose in children. If on a
scheduled dosing regimen, missed doses should be taken as soon as possible unless almost time
for next dose. Do not double doses.
 Medication may cause drowsiness. Advise patient to avoid driving or other activities
requiring alertness until response to drug is known.
Vallerand, A. H., Sanoski, C. A., & Quiring, C. (2020). Diphenoxylate/atropine. In Davis's Drug
Guide (16th edition). F.A. Davis Company.
https://nursing.unboundmedicine.com/nursingcentral/view/Davis-Drug-
Guide/51226/all/diphenoxylate_atropine
 Advise patient that frequent mouth rinses, good oral hygiene, and sugarless gum or
candy may relieve dry mouth.
 Caution patient to avoid alcohol and other CNS depressants concurrently with this
medication.
 Advise patient to inform health care professional of medication regimen prior to
treatment or surgery.
 Instruct patient to notify health care professional if diarrhea persists or if fever,
abdominal pain, or palpitations occur.
 Advise patient to notify health care professional if pregnancy is planned or suspected
or if breastfeeding.

Labs to check
Evaluate liver function tests periodically during prolonged therapy.
 Diphenoxylate/atropine may cause increased serum amylase concentrations.