1. Why is Lomotil a controlled substance?
Lomotil comes under the Schedule V controlled substance category because it contains limited quantities of narcotics (to help relieve pain). Although it has medical use, it has some potential for abuse if you take it more than the recommended dose. Therefore, it is crucial to take the medication as advised by your doctor.
2. Is Lomotil a narcotic?
According to federal regulation, Lomotil is a Schedule V controlled substance. One of the active drugs in Lomotil, diphenoxylate hydrochloride, is a Schedule II controlled substance. And therefore, it is chemically related to a narcotic pain reliever (meperidine). However, as Lomotil is a combination drug, another active ingredient in Lomotil, atropine, lowers the risk of misuse.
3. How long does it take Lomotil to stop diarrhoea?
Your symptoms are likely to improve within 48 hours of taking Lomotil. It means you should see changes in the consistency (firmer) and frequency (lesser) of your stools. If your symptoms do not improve even after taking Lomotil for 10-days (adults) and 48-hours (children), make sure to get in touch with your doctor.
4. Is Lomotil an opioid?
Lomotil is an antidiarrhoeal medicine that is a combination of diphenoxylate and atropine. Although Lomotil itself is not an opioid, one of its active ingredients, diphenoxylate, is an opioid. Therefore, Lomotil is categorized as a Schedule V controlled substance. It has some potential for abuse in case of a drug overdose.
5. How long does it take Lomotil to work?
If you follow your prescription, it may take up to 48 hours to relieve the symptoms of diarrhoea, including firm stools and fewer visits to the toilet. However, if your diarrhoea and other related symptoms do not improve within 10 days and 48 hours in adults and children, respectively, consult your doctor.
6. Is it safe to take Lomotil every day?
Always take your medicines as prescribed by your doctor. In the case of Lomotil, your doctor is likely to advise two tablets four times per day. Make sure not to exceed the recommended dose, i.e., eight tabs with 20 mg of diphenoxylate per day. Overdose can be dangerous for you.
7. Is Lomotil the same as Imodium?
Although Lomotil (atropine and diphenoxylate) and Imodium (loperamide hydrochloride) are antidiarrheal medications, both are different in composition. One of the main differences between these two drugs is that you can buy Imodium as an OTC (over-the-counter) medicine. However, Lomotil is a prescription drug because it is a Schedule V controlled substance.
8. Can Lomotil cause constipation?
Higher doses of atropine, one of the ingredients in Lomotil, are likely to cause constipation. However, the quantity of atropine that enters your body by taking the prescribed doses of Lomotil is not high. Therefore, the chances of getting constipated are low. However, if you experience constipation after taking Lomotil, consult your doctor.
9. Is Lomotil an anticholinergic?
Lomotil is a combination of two drugs - diphenoxylate and atropine. Out of these two drugs, the former is an opioid, and the latter is an anticholinergic drug. As atropine is an anticholinergic drug, it helps dry your body fluids and slows the movement of your intestine when you have diarrhoea.
10. What happens if you take too much Lomotil?
Lomotil overdose can lead to various life-threatening complications including difficulty breathing, permanent brain damage, and even death. The symptoms of early overdose include blurred vision, fast heartbeats, mumbled speech, slow breathing, and seizures, among others. Seek immediate medical assistance in case of an overdose, or else the outcomes can be fatal.
