Atropine / difenoxin Side Effects

For the Consumer

Applies to atropine / difenoxin: oral tablet

In addition to its needed effects, some unwanted effects may be caused by atropine / difenoxin. In the event that any of these side effects do occur, they may require medical attention.

Major Side Effects

You should check with your doctor immediately if any of these side effects occur when taking atropine / difenoxin:

• Bloating
• constipation
• loss of appetite
• stomach pain (severe) with nausea and vomiting

If any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking atropine / difenoxin, get emergency help immediately:

• Blurred vision (continuing) or changes in near vision
• drowsiness (severe)
• dryness of mouth, nose, and throat (severe)
• fast heartbeat
• shortness of breath or troubled breathing (severe)
• unusual excitement, nervousness, restlessness, or irritability
• unusual warmth, dryness, and flushing of skin

Minor Side Effects

Some of the side effects that can occur with atropine / difenoxin may not need medical attention. As your body adjusts to the medicine during treatment these side effects may go away. Your health care professional may also be able to tell you about ways to reduce or prevent some of these side effects. If any of the following side effects continue, are bothersome or if you have any questions about them, check with your health care professional:

• Blurred vision
• confusion
• difficult urination
• dizziness or lightheadedness
• drowsiness
• dryness of skin and mouth
• fever
• headache
• trouble in sleeping
• unusual tiredness or weakness

Side Effects: Post Treatment

After you stop taking this drug, it is possible that you may still experience side effects that need medical attention. If you notice any of the following side effects check with your doctor immediately:

• Increased sweating
• muscle cramps
• nausea or vomiting
• shivering or trembling
• stomach cramps

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to atropine / difenoxin: oral tablet

Gastrointestinal

Gastrointestinal side effects have included nausea (1 in 15 patients), vomiting (1 in 30 patients), dry mouth (1 in 30 patients), epigastric distress (1 in 100 patients), and constipation ( 1 in 300 patients).

In patients receiving chemically-related drugs, toxic megacolon, paralytic ileus, pancreatitis, and anorexia have been reported.^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

Cardiovascular side effects have included tachycardia with the use of atropine.^[Ref]

Nervous system

Nervous system side effects have included dizziness (1 in 20 patients), lightheadedness (1 in 20 patients), drowsiness (1 in 25 patients), headache (1 in 40 patients). Other less common side effects have included tiredness and insomnia.

Patients receiving chemically-related drugs have reported confusion, numbness of extremities, euphoria, depression, and sedation.^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

Hypersensitivity side effects have included anaphylaxis, angioneurotic edema, urticaria, swelling of the gums, and pruritus.^[Ref]

Ocular

Ocular side effects have included burning eyes and blurred vision.^[Ref]

General

General side effects reported with use of atropine have included flushing and hyperthermia.^[Ref]

Genitourinary

Genitourinary side effects have included urinary retention with use of atropine.^[Ref]

Not all side effects for atropine / difenoxin may be reported. You should always consult a doctor or healthcare professional for medical advice. Side effects can be reported to the FDA here.

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