Diarrhea is a very annoying disease that we often get. When you have to go to the toilet all the time, it makes your body very tired and makes you tired all day long, doesn't it? Sometimes it is difficult to control it with normal methods. At such times, your doctor can give you a special medicine. Today we are talking about such a medicine, that is, a tablet made from a combination of two drugs called Difenoxin and Atropine.
What really happens with this medicine?
Simply put, this medicine works by slowing down the activity of your intestines. When you have diarrhea, your intestines move faster and more violently. So when this medicine controls that speed, you will have to go to the bathroom less often. To be precise, this is a type of medicine that is given for diarrhea, in medicine we call these `antidiarrheals`.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
It is very important that your doctor is aware of these things before prescribing this medicine to you. If you have any of the conditions listed below, be sure to tell them about it.
- If you have food poisoning caused by a bacterial infection .
- If you have a condition like colitis , an inflammation of the intestine.
- Dehydration , which means if there is water retention in the body.
- If you have Down's syndrome .
- If you have jaundice or any liver disease .
- If you have an allergic reaction to this medication (difenoxin, atropine), other medications, foods, or preservatives.
- If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding.
Don't hide this information from the doctor, because it is very important for your safety.
How should I use the medicine?
This medicine should be taken with a glass of water. The most important thing is to take the correct dose, at the correct time, exactly as your doctor tells you. Never take more than prescribed. Once your diarrhea is under control, your doctor may reduce your dose.
When given to children and the elderly
Children over 12 years of age can be prescribed this medicine in some special cases. But special care should be taken with it. Therefore, if you are giving this medicine to a child, be sure to talk to your doctor about it. Also, if you are an elderly person, you should be careful about that as the effect of this medicine may be felt a little more.
What if you take too much medicine? (Overdose)
If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, do not delay. Immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital, or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital. Treat this as an emergency.
What to do if you miss a dose of medicine?
Oh, it can happen. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Don't even think about taking a double dose.
Other things that may interact with this medicine (Interactions)
Some things can interact with this medicine and cause adverse effects on you. So if you are using these things, tell your doctor about them.
- Alcohol
- Medicines for colds, coughs, and allergies (Antihistamines)
- Some medications that make you sleepy or treat epilepsy (Barbiturates)
- Medications for mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety
- Some medications that help you sleep
- Medications in the class of drugs called MAOIs (e.g. Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, Parnate)
- Muscle relaxants
- Some painkillers (especially opiates)
This list is not all-inclusive, so please tell your doctor about all medications, vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements you are taking.
Things to consider when taking medication
Be aware of the following while using this medicine:
- Watch for symptoms: If your diarrhea doesn't improve after two days of starting this medicine, or if it gets worse, tell your doctor right away. If you develop a fever or have blood in your stool, seek medical advice immediately.
- Drowsiness and dizziness: You may feel drowsy or dizzy. Therefore, avoid driving, operating machinery, or doing anything that requires concentration until you know exactly how this medicine affects you.
- Avoid alcohol: Drinking alcohol can interfere with the effects of this medication and can also increase drowsiness.
- Dry mouth: You may experience a dry mouth. This can be controlled by chewing sugarless gum and drinking plenty of water. However, if this problem persists, talk to your doctor.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, this one can cause some side effects. Some of them are serious, some of them are common.
| Side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Central nervous system depression (CNS depression) | Shortness of breath or shallow breathing, difficulty breathing, excessive sleepiness, unconsciousness, confusion. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Dizziness and drowsiness | Dizziness / Drowsiness |
| Dry mouth | Dry mouth |
| Headache | Headache |
| Nausea and vomiting | Nausea / Vomiting |
How should you store your medicine?
The way this medicine is stored is also very important.
- Keep away from children: Keep this medicine in a safe place out of the reach and sight of children.
- Misuse: This medicine can be misused (abused), so keep it in a safe place to protect it from theft. Never give it to anyone else. Doing so is dangerous and against the law.
- Disposal: If you have unused medication, mix it with cat litter or ground coffee grounds, put it in a tightly sealed bag or a can with a lid, and throw it away.
- Expiration: Do not use expired medication.
- Temperature: Store at a temperature between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius (20-25°C).
Take-Home Message
- Difenoxin and Atropine are medications used to control diarrhea. They work by regulating the function of the intestines.
- Before taking this medicine, be sure to tell your doctor about any other illnesses you have and any other medications you are taking.
- Take the dose exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Never take two doses at once.
- Avoid driving while taking this medicine as it may cause drowsiness and dizziness. Do not drink alcohol.
- If you experience serious side effects (allergies, difficulty breathing), or if your diarrhea does not improve within two days, notify your doctor immediately.
- Keep medicines out of the reach of children and dispose of any leftover medicines properly.
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න