Diphenoxylate
Diphenoxylate is an opioid agonist used to treat diarrhea by slowing intestinal motility and reducing fluid secretion in the intestines.
Diphenoxylate is a prescription antidiarrheal medication that works by slowing intestinal contractions and reducing fluid loss.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- A07DA01
- RxNorm
- 3500
- Generic
- Diphenoxylate
- Class
- atc-a07
- Brands
- Lomotil
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- solution, tablet
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 5mg 3-4 times daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 6-8 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 2.5mg 3-4 times daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 6-8 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 2.5mg 3-4 times daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 6-8 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
10 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
third trimesterdo not use
avoid use in third trimester due to risk of fetal harm and potential neonatal respiratory depression
close fetal and neonatal monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pediatric_age
under 2 yearsdo not use
contraindicated in children under 2 years due to risk of respiratory depression
respiratory monitoring if accidentally exposed
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pediatric_age
2 to 12 yearsuse with extreme caution and lower doses
use only under close medical supervision with individualized dosing
close monitoring for respiratory depression and CNS effects
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderlyreduce dose and increase dosing interval
use with caution due to increased sensitivity to CNS effects and higher risk of falls
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
mild to moderatedose reduction may be needed
use with caution in renal impairment; monitor for accumulation
monitor renal function and drug response
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severesignificant dose reduction recommended
use with extreme caution or avoid in severe renal impairment
frequent monitoring of renal function and drug levels
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mild to moderatedose reduction recommended
use with caution in hepatic impairment; may precipitate hepatic encephalopathy
monitor for signs of hepatic encephalopathy
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
severeavoid if possible
avoid use in severe hepatic impairment due to risk of hepatic encephalopathy
close monitoring for hepatic encephalopathy
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
breastfeedingavoid
not recommended during breastfeeding; drug excreted in breast milk
monitor infant for respiratory depression and sedation
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
Statistics and clinical data
Drug class
Antidiarrheal agent classified as an opioid derivative
Primary indication
FDA-approved therapeutic indication
Mechanism of action
Reduces intestinal motility and secretions
FDA approval year
Original FDA approval date for Diphenoxylate
Treatment of acute and chronic diarrhea, including traveler's diarrhea and diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome. It provides symptomatic relief by reducing the frequency and liquidity of bowel movements.
Diphenoxylate acts on mu-opioid receptors in the gastrointestinal tract, which decreases intestinal motility (slowing peristalsis) and reduces intestinal secretions. This allows for greater absorption of fluids and electrolytes, resulting in firmer stools.
Should not be used in patients with bacterial dysentery (such as Shigella or Salmonella infections) as it may prolong the illness. Use with caution in patients with liver disease, and avoid in children under 2 years of age. May cause drowsiness, dry mouth, and blurred vision. Potential for dependence with prolonged use.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 24, 2026. · Read our editorial policy