Atropine / Diphenoxylate Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Aug 18, 2024.

Applies to atropine / diphenoxylate: oral solution, oral tablet.

Serious side effects

Along with its needed effects, atropine / diphenoxylate may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking atropine / diphenoxylate:

Incidence not known

• bloating
• confusion
• constipation
• cough
• decrease in the frequency of urination
• decrease in urine volume
• diarrhea
• difficulty in passing urine (dribbling)
• difficulty swallowing
• discouragement
• dizziness
• drowsiness
• dry skin and mouth
• extremely high fever or body temperature
• false or unusual sense of well-being
• fast, shallow breathing
• fast, weak heartbeat
• feeling of warmth
• feeling sad or empty
• headache
• hives, itching, skin rash
• irritability
• loss of appetite
• loss of interest or pleasure
• muscle cramps
• nausea
• numbness of the arms and legs
• painful urination
• pale, clammy skin
• puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
• redness of the face, neck, arms and occasionally, upper chest
• restlessness
• seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there
• stomach cramps or pain
• thirst
• tightness in the chest
• trouble concentrating
• trouble sleeping
• unusual drowsiness, dullness, tiredness, weakness, or feeling of sluggishness
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• vomiting
• weight loss

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking atropine / diphenoxylate:

Symptoms of overdose

• agitation
• back pain
• bigger, dilated, or enlarged pupils (black part of eye)
• blurred vision
• difficult or troubled breathing
• feeling of warmth
• fever
• garbled speech
• increased sensitivity of the eyes to light
• irregular, fast or slow, or shallow breathing
• loss of consciousness
• mood or mental changes
• pale or blue lips, fingernails, or skin
• seizures
• speech that is not understood
• stiff neck
• unusual tiredness or weakness

For healthcare professionals

Applies to atropine / diphenoxylate: oral liquid, oral tablet.

Nervous system adverse events

• Frequency not reported: Numbness of extremities, sedation/drowsiness, dizziness, headache, somnolence^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Frequency not reported: Swelling of the gums, toxic megacolon, paralytic ileus, pancreatitis, vomiting, nausea, abdominal discomfort, constipation^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Frequency not reported: Tachycardia, cardiac irregularities (e.g. arrhythmias, bradycardia, palpitations)^[Ref]

Ocular

• Frequency not reported: Increased intraocular pressure, dilation of pupils with loss of accommodation, photophobia, angle closure glaucoma^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Frequency not reported: Urinary retention, difficulty in micturition^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Frequency not reported: Euphoria, depression, confusion, restlessness, hallucinations^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Frequency not reported: Urticaria, pruritus, flushing^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Frequency not reported: Anaphylaxis, angioneurotic edema^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Frequency not reported: Anorexia^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Frequency not reported: Respiratory depression in children^[Ref]

Other

• Frequency not reported: Malaise/lethargy, hyperthermia, dryness of the skin and mucous membranes^[Ref]

Further information

Atropine/diphenoxylate side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer