Diarrhea can be a very common state that occurs in many people, however, it is no secret that it is very uncomfortable , especially if it lasts longer than normal, which interferes with daily activities.
That is why the pharmacological industry has created drugs aimed at inhibiting intestinal motility and controlling states of diarrhea, one of them being lomotil®.
In this article we will know what lomotil® is , its presentations, the recommended doses and even what effects it can bring with it.
What is loin?
Lomotil® is part of the line of commercial drugs from the “Pfizer Laboratory ” (1) , with the active ingredients called diphenoxylate and atropine or loperamide sulfate, which have antidiarrheal characteristics, that is, they seek to control diarrhea in a patient quickly and effectively.
Lomotil® commonly comes in tablet presentations with 0.25 mg of diphenoxylate and 0.025 mg of atropine, assuming that its route of administration is oral . If diarrhea persists, it can be prescribed for both adults and children, being recommended only for those over 12 years of age.
Note: One study mentions that: “lomotil® is often used as adjunctive treatment , which means that it is used together with other medicines to control diarrhoea” . (two)
What is the loin used for?
Lomotil® is prescribed as a treatment against diarrhea, a case where human fecal evacuations are soft and with a watery texture , which can be both acute and chronic, since it is caused by a virus, food indigestion in poor condition or also bacteria and parasites.
In this sense, the objective of lomotil® is to be rapidly metabolized, to slow down or control the spasms of intestinal movements through which feces pass, although the metabolites are also responsible for safely controlling intestinal motility.
You should know: Despite its positive effects, an initial dose of 2 tablets per day of lomotil® is recommended in adults if the evacuation of loose stools persists .
On the other hand, children should take 1 tablet after evacuation (try not to exceed 4 tablets), and the improvement should be seen in the next 48 hours, if it does not occur, you should not use the medication anymore and you need to consult to your doctor .
lomotil side effects
Lomotil® can bring with it certain secondary reactions, which have been carefully studied by the laboratory in its country of origin, the United States. And among those common side effects are:
- Drowsiness.
- Fatigue.
- Constipation.
- abdominal cramps
Important: A medical study mentions the following information: “ Avoid the use of lomotil® in patients taking MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors) and monitor the signs and symptoms of hypertensive crisis (headache, hyperthermia, hypertension) ”. (3)
lomotil contraindications
Lomotil® is contraindicated for a certain number of patients, since the antidiarrheal could bring with it certain unwanted reactions if the digestive system does not respond adequately to the treatment. Therefore, lomotil® should not be used in the present cases:
- Hypersensitivity to the active metabolite.
- Obstructive jaundice (a disorder of bile flow).
- Children under 6 years.
- Pregnancy and lactation.
To highlight: A study mentions that: “ It is not recommended for children under four years of age. If your child’s doctor prescribed such medication, they will closely monitor your child’s treatment.” (4)
Key Findings
- Lomotil® is a medicine with antidiarrheal properties , which works in adults and children.
- Lomotil® treatment is used to control intestinal motility and gastrointestinal spasms.
- Lomotil® can present side effects such as drowsiness, fatigue and constipation.
- The use of lomotil® in children under 6 years of age and pregnant and lactating women is not recommended.
