Lomotil Tablet Uses

Lomotil tablet is primarily used for the treatment of diarrhea. It is a combination of an opioid agonist and an anticholinergic agent. Following are some approved and off-label uses of Lomotil Tablet:

Approved Uses of Lomotil Tablet

1. Acute Diarrhea: Lomotil tablet is commonly used to manage acute diarrhea, which is a sudden onset of loose, watery stools. It helps to reduce bowel motility and slow down the movement of the intestines, leading to a decrease in the frequency and volume of bowel movements.
2. Chronic Diarrhea: In certain cases of chronic diarrhea, Lomotil tablets may be used to help control the symptoms. Chronic diarrhea refers to a condition where loose, frequent bowel movements persist for an extended period, usually lasting for more than four weeks.

Off-label Uses of Lomotil Tablet

1. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): In some cases of IBS, Lomotil tablets may be used off-label to help control diarrhea symptoms.
2. Control of Excessive Bowel Movements: Lomotil tablet has been used to control excessive bowel movements in certain conditions where increased intestinal motility leads to frequent and urgent bowel movements. This may include conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or certain functional bowel disorders.

Lomotil is one of the leading brands with the combination of Diphenoxylate (HCl) + Atropine (Sulphate), manufactured and marketed by Searle (Pakistan) Ltd.

Below are some available similar brands that can be used as an alternative to Lomotil:

• Motilex : Ferozsons Laboratories Ltd, Pakistan.
• Dipotil : Unexo Labs (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.
• Gotil : Glitz Pharma, Pakistan.
• Fymotil : Fynk Pharmaceuticals, Pakistan.
• Atridol : Global Pharmaceuticals, Pakistan.
• Lomitomed : Mediate Pharmaceuticals (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.
• Rexotil : Reko Pharmacal (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.
• Rescotil : Resco Pharma, Pakistan.
• Entrotil : Danas Pharmaceuticals (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.
• Lomoted : Safe Pharmaceutical (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.

Presently, Lomotil is available in Tablet Form with the following strengths.

Lomotil Tablet : Atropine (Sulphate) 25mcg + Diphenoxylate (HCl) 2.5mg strength.

Lomotil has certain contraindications, which means there are specific situations or conditions in which Lomotil should not be used

Hypersensitivity: Lomotil should not be used in individuals who have a known hypersensitivity or allergic reaction to diphenoxylate, atropine, or any of the other ingredients present in Lomotil.

Severe liver disease: Lomotil should be avoided in individuals with severe liver disease, as the medication may further impair liver function and cause complications.

Severe ulcerative colitis: Individuals with severe ulcerative colitis, a type of inflammatory bowel disease, should not use Lomotil. The medication may increase the risk of toxic megacolon, a potentially life-threatening condition associated with severe colitis.

Diarrhea caused by toxic ingestion: Lomotil is contraindicated in cases of diarrhea caused by the ingestion of toxins, such as poisonings or toxic substances, as it may delay the elimination of the toxin from the body.

Glaucoma: Lomotil should be used with caution or avoided in individuals with glaucoma, a condition characterized by increased pressure within the eye. The anticholinergic effects of atropine may further elevate eye pressure in such cases.

Severe dehydration: Lomotil is not recommended for use in individuals with severe dehydration, as it does not address the underlying fluid and electrolyte imbalances associated with significant fluid loss.

Lomotil Dose for Acute Nonspecific Diarrhea:

• Initially, Two Tablets four times a day until control of symptoms is achieved.
• After that, the dosage may be reduced to One Tablet four times a day for a maximum of 48 hours.

Lomotil Dose for Chronic Nonspecific Diarrhea:

• Initially, Two Tablets three or four times a day.
• The dosage can be adjusted based on individual response and should be the lowest effective dose.

Lomotil is a combination of two drugs and its mode of action depends on its ingredients.

Diphenoxylate (an active ingredient of Lomotil) is an opioid receptor agonist, which means it binds to opioid receptors in the intestines. By activating these receptors, diphenoxylate reduces muscle contractions and motility in the gastrointestinal tract. This slows down the movement of the bowel, allowing for more water absorption and increased solidification of stool.

Atropine (another active ingredient of Lomotil) is an anticholinergic drug. It works by blocking the action of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that stimulates certain nerve impulses in the body. Atropine is included in Lomotil to discourage abuse and overdose of diphenoxylate, as high doses of diphenoxylate can potentially lead to opioid-related side effects and addiction.

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