Atropine / Diphenoxylate Dosage

Medically reviewed on March 14, 2018.

Usual Adult Dose for Diarrhea

Initial dose: 2 tablets or 10 mL (5 mg of diphenoxylate), orally, 4 times a day
Maintenance dose: Once control is achieved, reduce dose to individual requirements, to as little as 2 tablets or 10 mL once a day
Maximum dose: 20 mg diphenoxylate per day

Comments:
-Clinical improvement is usually seen within 48 hours.
-If no improvement is seen within 10 days, symptoms are unlikely to respond to further administration.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Diarrhea

2 years and older:
Initial dose: 0.3 to 0.4 mg/kg of diphenoxylate, orally, in 4 divided doses
Maintenance dose: Once control is achieved, reduce dose to individual requirements, to as little as one quarter of the initial daily dosage
Maximum dose: 20 mg diphenoxylate per day

Comments:
-These doses are approximate; adjust downward according to nutritional status and degree of dehydration.
-Reduce dose as soon as initial control of symptoms has been achieved.
-If no response within 48 hours, this medicine is unlikely to be effective.
-Use only the liquid medication in children under 13 years old; do not use tablets.

Renal Dose Adjustments

Data not available

Liver Dose Adjustments

Data not available

Precautions

Safety and efficacy have not been established in patients younger than 2 years.

Consult WARNINGS section for additional precautions.

Dialysis

Data not available

Other Comments

Patient advice:
-Do not exceed the recommended dosage.
-Keep out of reach of children and in a child resistant container.
-Overdosage may cause severe respiratory depression and coma, possibly leading to permanent brain damage or death.
-May cause drowsiness or dizziness; use caution regarding activities requiring mental alertness, such as driving or operating dangerous machinery.
-May potentiate the effects of alcohol, barbiturates, and tranquilizers.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer