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Lomotil |
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What is Lomotil and why is it prescribed? Lomotil is used, along with other drugs, in the treatment of diarrhea. Lomotil is not a harmless drug, so never exceed your recommended dosage. An overdose could be fatal. How should you take Lomotil? Follow your doctors directions for taking Lomotil. Lomotil can be habit-forming. Be sure to drink plenty of liquids to replace lost body fluids. Eat bland foods, such as cooked cereals, breads and crackers. Lomotil may cause dry mouth. Suck on a hard candy or chew gum to relieve this problem. If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at once. Store Lomotil away from heat, light, and moisture. Keep the liquid from freezing. Are there any Lomotil side effects? Lomotil side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Lomotil side effects may include abdominal discomfort, confusion, depression, difficulty urinating dizziness, dry mouth and skin, exaggerated feeling of elation, fever, flushing, general feeling of not being well, headache, hives, intestinal blockage, itching, lack or loss of appetite, nausea, numbness of arms and legs, rapid heartbeat, restlessness, sedation/drowsiness, severe allergic reaction, sluggishness, swelling due to fluid retention, swollen gums, and vomiting. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Lomotil? If Lomotil is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. Lomotil may intensify the effects of alcohol. It's better not to drink alcohol while taking this medication. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Lomotil with Barbiturates (anticonvulsants and sedatives such as phenobarbital), MAO inhibitors (antidepressants such as Nardil and Parnate), or Tranquilizers (such as Valium and Xanax). Are there any special warnings about Lomotil? Certain antibiotics such as Ceclor, Cleocin, PCE and Achromycin V may cause diarrhea. Lomotil can make this type of diarrhea worse and longer-lasting. Check with your doctor before using Lomotil while taking an antibiotic. Lomotil may cause drowsiness or dizziness. Therefore, you should not drive a car, operate dangerous machinery, or participate in any hazardous activity that requires full mental alertness until you know how this drug affects you. Lomotil slows activity of the digestive system; this can result in a buildup of fluid in the intestine, which may worsen the dehydration and imbalance in normal body salts that usually occur with diarrhea. If you have severe ulcerative colitis, your doctor will want to monitor your condition while you are taking this drug. If your abdomen becomes distended, or enlarged, notify your doctor. Use Lomotil with extreme caution if you have kidney and liver disease or if your liver is not functioning normally. Lomotil should be used with caution in children, since side effects may occur even with recommended doses, especially in children with Down's syndrome. Since addiction to diphenoxylate hydrochloride is possible at high doses, you should never exceed the recommended dosage. |
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