Anti diarrheal agent overdose

Definition

This is poisoning from overdose of antidiarrheal agents containing diphenoxylate or atropine.

Poisonous Ingredient

• diphenoxylate
  
• atropine
  

Where Found

• Lomotil
  
• Diphenatol
  
• Lofene
  
• Logen
  
• Lomanate
  
• Lonox
  
• Lo-Trol
  
• Nor-Mil
  

Note: This list may not be all inclusive.

Symptoms

• respiratory
  o slow breathing
  
• eyes, ears, nose, and throat
  o pinpoint pupils
  o rapid side to side eye movement
  
• gastrointestinal
  o Constipation
  
• heart and blood vessels
  o rapid heartbeat
  
• nervous system
  o drowsiness
  o loss of desire to do anything
  o coma
  

Note: Symptoms of toxicity may take up to 12 hours to appear

Home Treatment

The normal treatment is to induce Vomiting unless the patient is unconscious or experiencing Convulsions; however, before inducing Vomiting, contact Poison Control to verify that is the correct treatment.

Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following information:

• the patient's age, weight, and condition
  
• the name of the product (ingredients and strengths if known)
  
• the time it was swallowed
  
• the amount swallowed
  
• if the medication was prescribed for the patient
  

Poison Control, or a local emergency number
They will instruct you if it is necessary to take the patient to the hospital. See Poison Control centers for telephone numbers and addresses. Take the container with you to the emergency room.