What is this medicine?

DIPHENOXYLATE (dye fen OX i late) is used to treat diarrhea.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• bacterial food poisoning
• colitis
• dehydration
• Down's syndrome
• jaundice or liver disease
• an unusual or allergic reaction to atropine, diphenoxylate, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. You can take the tablets with food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Once your diarrhea has been brought under control your doctor or health care professional may reduce your doses.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Elderly patients may be more sensitive to the effects of this medicine.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

• alcohol
• barbiturate medicines for inducing sleep or treating seizures
• medicines for anxiety or sleeping problems, such as diazepam or temazepam
• medicines for movement abnormalities as in Parkinson's disease, or for gastrointestinal problems
• medicines for treating mental depression

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

If your symptoms do not start to get better after taking this medicine for two days, check with your doctor or health care professional, you may have a problem that needs further evaluation. Check with your doctor or health care professional right away if you develop a fever or bloody diarrhea.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how diphenoxylate affects you. Alcohol can increase possible drowsiness and dizziness. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe. Drinking plenty of water can also help prevent dehydration that can occur with diarrhea.