Atropine / Diphenoxylate Dosage

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 10, 2025.

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.

See also:

Further information

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

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