Lomotil overdose Health Article

Definition

This is poisoning from taking too much Lomotil, a prescription medicine used to treat diarrhea.

Alternative Names

Diphenoxylate with atropine; Atropine with diphenoxylate 

Poisonous Ingredient

Lomotil contains two drugs:

• Diphenoxylate (a narcotic)
• Atropine

Where Found

• Lomotil
• Lofene
• Logen
• Lomanate
• Lonox

Note: This list may not be all inclusive.

Symptoms

• Coma
• Constipation
• Convulsions
• Drowsiness
• Dry skin and mucous membranes
• Eyes with pinpoint or enlarged pupils
• Eyes that move rapidly from side-to-side (nystagmus)
• Flushed skin
• Hallucinations
• Paralytic ileus (bowel obstruction)
• Rapid heartbeat
• Restlessness
• Slow breathing or breathing that has stopped
• Vomiting

Note: Symptoms may take up to 12 hours to appear.

Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following:

• Patient's age, weight, and condition
• Name of the product (ingredients and strengths, if known)
• Time it was swallowed
• Amount swallowed
• If the medication was prescribed for the patient

Poison Control, or a local emergency number

The National Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) can be called from anywhere in the United States. This national hotline number will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions.

This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the U.S. use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Take the container with you to the emergency room.

What to expect at the emergency room

The health care provider will measure and monitor the patient's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure.

The patient may receive:

• A narcotic antagonist (medicine that reverses the effect of the narcotic)
• Medicines to make the person throw up (vomit)
• Activated charcoal
• Laxative
• A nasogastric (NG) tube thru the nose into the stomach to empty the stomach (gastric lavage)   
• Breathing assistance

Some patients may remain in the hospital for observation.

Expectations (prognosis)

Patients who quickly receive medicine to reverse the effect of the narcotic usually get better within 24 to 48 hours. However, children do not do as well.