Atropine / Difenoxin Dosage

Applies to the following strengths: 0.025 mg-1 mg

Usual Adult Dose for Diarrhea - Acute

2 tablets orally, then 1 tablet after each loose stool OR 1 tablet every 3 to 4 hours as needed
Maximum dose: 8 tablets per 24 hour period

Comments:

If clinical improvement is not seen in 48 hours, continued administration is not recommended.
For acute diarrhea and acute exacerbation of functional diarrhea, treatment beyond 48 hours is not usually needed.

Use(s): Adjunctive therapy for management of acute nonspecific diarrhea and acute exacerbations of chronic functional diarrhea

Usual Adult Dose for Diarrhea - Chronic

2 tablets orally, then 1 tablet after each loose stool OR 1 tablet every 3 to 4 hours as needed
Maximum dose: 8 tablets per 24 hour period

Comments:

If clinical improvement is not seen in 48 hours, continued administration is not recommended.
For acute diarrhea and acute exacerbation of functional diarrhea, treatment beyond 48 hours is not usually needed.

Use(s): Adjunctive therapy for management of acute nonspecific diarrhea and acute exacerbations of chronic functional diarrhea

Usual Pediatric Dose for Diarrhea - Acute

12 years and older:

2 tablets orally, then 1 tablet after each loose stool OR 1 tablet every 3 to 4 hours as needed
Maximum dose: 8 tablets per 24 hour period

Comments:

If clinical improvement is not seen in 48 hours, continued administration is not recommended.
For acute diarrhea and acute exacerbation of functional diarrhea, treatment beyond 48 hours is not usually needed.

Use(s): Adjunctive therapy for management of acute nonspecific diarrhea and acute exacerbations of chronic functional diarrhea

Usual Pediatric Dose for Diarrhea - Chronic

12 years and older:

2 tablets orally, then 1 tablet after each loose stool OR 1 tablet every 3 to 4 hours as needed
Maximum dose: 8 tablets per 24 hour period

Comments:

If clinical improvement is not seen in 48 hours, continued administration is not recommended.
For acute diarrhea and acute exacerbation of functional diarrhea, treatment beyond 48 hours is not usually needed.

Use(s): Adjunctive therapy for management of acute nonspecific diarrhea and acute exacerbations of chronic functional diarrhea

Renal Dose Adjustments

Use with extreme caution.

Hepatic coma may be precipitated in patients with advanced hepatorenal disease.

Liver Dose Adjustments

Use with extreme caution.

Hepatic coma may be precipitated in patients with advanced hepatorenal disease and patients with abnormal liver function tests.

Precautions

Safety and efficacy have not been established in patients younger than 12 years; contraindicated in children under 2 years.

Consult WARNINGS section for additional precautions.

US Controlled Substance: Schedule IV

Dialysis

Data not available

Other Comments

Patient advice:

Caution patients to strictly adhere to recommended dosing schedules.
Keep out of reach of children; accidental overdosage may cause severe, even fatal, respiratory depression.
Caution patients regarding activities requiring mental alertness, such as driving or operating dangerous machinery, as this drug may cause drowsiness or dizziness.