Lomotil Side Effects

Lomotil is a combination medication that is primarily used to treat diarrhea. Lomotil can have various side effects, some of which are more common than others. It’s important to note that not everyone experiences these side effects, and their severity can vary from person to person health conditions. Some common and less common side effects associated with Lomotil can include.

Common Side Effect

• Dry mouth: Lomotil, being an anticholinergic agent, can cause dryness in the mouth and throat.
• Blurred vision:  Lomotil may cause blurred vision or difficulty focusing on near objects due to its effect on the eye’s muscles.
• Constipation: As an opioid, Lomotil can lead to constipation, which is a common side effect.
• Dizziness or lightheadedness:  Lomotil can occur due to the combination’s effects on the central nervous system.
• Drowsiness or sedation: Lomotil can cause drowsiness, impairing alertness and reaction times.
• Nausea or vomiting: Some individuals may experience gastrointestinal disturbances as a side effect.
• Difficulty urinating: Atropine can cause urinary retention or difficulty in passing urine.
• Confusion or disorientation: Particularly in elderly individuals or at higher doses, confusion can occur due to the effects on the central nervous system.
• Allergic reactions: Some people may experience allergic reactions like itching, rash, or hives.
• Increased heart rate (tachycardia): Lomotil can elevate heart rate, leading to palpitations or a feeling of a rapid heartbeat.
• Headache: Mild to moderate headaches can occur as a side effect.
• Abdominal discomfort or pain: Some individuals may experience stomach pain or discomfort.

Less Common Side Effects

• Severe allergic reactions: While rare, severe allergic reactions can occur, leading to symptoms like difficulty breathing, chest tightness, and swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. Immediate medical attention is necessary in such cases.
• Mood changes: Some individuals might experience mood swings, irritability, or agitation while taking Lomotil.
• Hallucinations or delirium: Particularly in higher doses or in susceptible individuals, Lomotil can lead to hallucinations or delirium.
• Memory problems or cognitive impairment: In some cases, especially with prolonged use or higher doses, there might be cognitive disturbances or memory issues.
• Severe constipation or bowel obstruction: Although constipation is a common side effect, in rare instances, it can lead to severe constipation or even bowel obstruction, especially in individuals with a history of gastrointestinal issues.
• Heat intolerance:  Lomotil can reduce the body’s ability to regulate temperature, leading to increased sensitivity to heat.
• Increased intraocular pressure:  Lomotil can raise the pressure within the eye, which might be problematic for individuals with certain eye conditions like glaucoma.
• Increased heart rhythm disturbances: While it’s more common to experience an increased heart rate, in some cases, more severe disturbances in heart rhythm might occur.
• Trouble sleeping (insomnia): Some individuals might experience difficulty falling or staying asleep while taking this medication.
• Urinary retention: While difficulty in urination is a common side effect, in less common instances, there might be an inability to urinate at all.

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

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

1. Other central nervous system depressants: Combining Lomotil with other CNS depressants like alcohol, sedatives, tranquilizers, or other opioids can increase the risk of drowsiness, respiratory depression, and even coma.
2. Anticholinergic medications: Using Lomotil with other drugs that have anticholinergic effects (such as certain antidepressants, antihistamines, or medications for overactive bladder) can intensify anticholinergic side effects like dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention, and blurred vision.
3. MAO inhibitors (MAOIs): Concomitant use of MAOIs and Lomotil can lead to severe, potentially life-threatening reactions, including high fever, convulsions, and even death. MAOIs should not be taken within two weeks of stopping this medication.
4. Quinidine: Quinidine, a medication used for heart rhythm problems, can interact with Lomotil and cause increased anticholinergic effects and potential toxicity.
5. Certain antibiotics: There might be an interaction between Lomotil and antibiotics like erythromycin, clarithromycin, or azithromycin, leading to increased anticholinergic effects or changes in gastrointestinal motility.
6. Gastrointestinal medications: Some medications used for gastrointestinal disorders, like metoclopramide or domperidone, may counteract the effects of Lomotil.
7. Medications affecting heart rhythm: Drugs that affect heart rhythm, such as certain antiarrhythmic medications or medications for psychiatric disorders, can potentially interact with Lomotil and increase the risk of irregular heartbeats.
8. Opioid antagonists: The use of opioid antagonists, such as naloxone or naltrexone, might reduce the effectiveness of Lomotil, which is an opioid agonist.
9. Diuretics:  Lomotil can interact with diuretics, leading to an increased risk of electrolyte imbalances or dehydration.