How does it work?

Lomotil contains two medicines both of which contribute to its action. Diphenoxylate blocks nerve signals to intestinal muscles. This relaxes the muscles, reducing the amount of activity. This slows the passage of food through the gut. More water is absorbed from the food residue and the fluidity of faeces and the frequency of bowel movements are reduced. Diphenoxylate also eases painful muscle contractions and prevents spasm in the bowel. Atropine sulphate blocks muscarinic receptors in the bowel. Nerve signals to the muscles in the bowel are blocked as a result of which the bowel muscles relax, preventing painful muscle spasm.

What is it used for?

Diarrhoea

Inflammation of the bowel and back passage

Warning!

Take with plenty of water

Use with caution in

Breastfeeding

Decreased kidney function

Down's syndrome

Liver disease

Low blood pressure (hypotension)

Pregnancy

Not to be used in

Allergy to any of the active ingredients

Blockage of the gut (intestinal obstruction)

Children less than 4 years of age

Jaundice

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine should be used with caution during pregnancy, and only if the expected benefit to the mother is greater than the possible risk to the foetus. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

This medicine should be used with caution by breastfeeding mothers, and only if the expected benefit to the mother is greater than the possible risk to the baby. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Headache

Faster than normal heart beat (tachycardia)

Drowsiness

Confusion

Allergic reaction to active ingredient

Difficulty in passing urine (urinary retention)

Dizziness

Nausea and vomiting

Flushing

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

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