reduce after initial control; maintenance often as little as 2 tablets daily
20 mg/day diphenoxylate hydrochloride
Renal Use with extreme caution in advanced hepatorenal disease (hepatic coma may be precipitated)
Hepatic Use with extreme caution in advanced hepatorenal disease and abnormal liver function (hepatic coma may be precipitated)
Clinical improvement of acute diarrhea usually within 48 hours; if no improvement of chronic diarrhea within 10 days at maximum dose, discontinue
Instructions
Accompany with appropriate fluid and electrolyte therapy when indicated
Withhold if severe dehydration or electrolyte imbalance until corrected
Reduce dose after initial control of diarrhea
May cause drowsiness/dizziness — avoid driving/machinery until effect known
Available strengths
tab 2.5/0.025 mg
sol 2.5/0.025 mg/5 mL
Contraindications
Pediatric patients less than 6 years of age (risk of respiratory and CNS depression)
Diarrhea associated with pseudomembranous enterocolitis (C. difficile) or other enterotoxin-producing bacteria (risk of GI complications, including sepsis)
Obstructive jaundice
Cautions
Respiratory/CNS depression in children <6 yr (coma, permanent brain damage, death)
Anticholinergic and opioid toxicities (onset may be delayed up to 30 hours)
Dehydration and electrolyte imbalance
GI complications in infectious diarrhea; toxic megacolon in acute ulcerative colitis
Atropinism (esp. in Down syndrome patients)
Potentiates other CNS depressants and alcohol
Adverse reactions
Numbness of extremities, euphoria, depression, malaise/lethargy, sedation/drowsiness, dizziness, headache