ATROPINE+DIPHENOXYLATE+FURAZOLIDONE belongs to the class of medicines called ‘antidiarrheal’ used to treat severe diarrhea that occurs due to infections. Diarrhea is a condition in which bowel movements are too frequent, leading to loose and watery stools. In general, infection of the digestive tract is the common cause of diarrhea. Bacteria, parasites, or worms can cause infection.
ATROPINE+DIPHENOXYLATE+FURAZOLIDONE contains Diphenoxylate, Atropine, and Furazolidone. Diphenoxylate works by slowing down intestinal movements, thereby it makes the stools more solid and less frequent. Atropine helps to prevent involuntary muscle movements in the intestine. Atropine is added to prevent the abuse of diphenoxylate as higher doses may cause physical dependence. Furazolidone works by interfering with protein synthesis, a mechanism that is important for the survival of bacteria.
You should take this medicine exactly as prescribed by the doctor. The common side-effects of ATROPINE+DIPHENOXYLATE+FURAZOLIDONE are abdominal discomfort, nausea, vomiting, headache, dry mouth, and dizziness. These side effects are usually mild and temporary. However, if any of these side effects persist or get worse, inform your doctor immediately.
It is not recommended to take ATROPINE+DIPHENOXYLATE+FURAZOLIDONE if you are allergic to any contents of it. ATROPINE+DIPHENOXYLATE+FURAZOLIDONE should not be used in patients with obstructive jaundice (blockage of bile flow out of the liver). Before taking ATROPINE+DIPHENOXYLATE+FURAZOLIDONE, inform your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease, myasthenia gravis (severe muscle weakness), glaucoma (an eye disease), enlarged prostate, gallbladder problems, difficulty passing urine, blockage, or severe inflammation in the intestine or stomach, thyroid problems, and Down’s syndrome (a genetic disorder that causes growth delay in children). ATROPINE+DIPHENOXYLATE+FURAZOLIDONE is not recommended for use in children below 13 years of age as the safety and efficacy have not been studied. ATROPINE+DIPHENOXYLATE+FURAZOLIDONE is not recommended for use in pregnant and breastfeeding women unless clinically needed. Do not consume alcohol as it may worsen the condition. ATROPINE+DIPHENOXYLATE+FURAZOLIDONE may cause dizziness, so do not drive or operate heavy machinery if you feel dizzy.
Diarrhoea
ATROPINE+DIPHENOXYLATE+FURAZOLIDONE is used to treat diarrhea caused by infection of the digestive tract. It can effectively control bowel movements, treat infection, and prevent the recurrence of symptoms. It is usually prescribed along with fluid and electrolyte therapy. It is also advised to take plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.
ATROPINE+DIPHENOXYLATE+FURAZOLIDONE may cause severe bowel problems, especially in patients with ulcerative colitis (inflammation of the colon). So, inform your doctor if you experience bloating, constipation, vomiting, or stomach pain while using this medicine. ATROPINE+DIPHENOXYLATE+FURAZOLIDONE may cause atropine toxicity, so inform your doctor if you notice dizziness, headache, muscle cramps, high fever, decrease in urine volume, painful urination, decrease in the frequency of urination, dry skin, and dry mouth. It should be used with caution in patients with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency as this medicine may cause mild anemia.
Drug-Drug Interactions: ATROPINE+DIPHENOXYLATE+FURAZOLIDONE when used along with medicines that affect the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) may worsen the side-effects. Some examples of medicines that affect CNS are antiallergic medicines (diphenhydramine, cetirizine), sleeping pills (alprazolam), antidepressants (isocarboxazid, tranylcypromine), narcotic pain killers (morphine), and anesthetics, etc. ATROPINE+DIPHENOXYLATE+FURAZOLIDONE may interact with medications used to treat muscle weakness (ambenonium), medicines used to treat alcohol dependence (naltrexone and nalmefene), and medicine used to treat Parkinson’s disease (safinamide).
Drug-Food Interactions: Avoid consumption of foods with high tyramine content such as cheese, yeast, smoked meat, poultry, or fish. Avoid avocado, bitter orange, caffeinated beverages, and alcohol consumption while using this medicine. Avoid taking the above foods at least for 2 weeks after stopping this medicine.
Drug-Disease Interactions: ATROPINE+DIPHENOXYLATE+FURAZOLIDONE should not be used in patients with obstructive jaundice (blockage of bile flow out of liver). It should be used with caution in patients with liver or kidney disease, myasthenia gravis (severe muscle weakness), glaucoma (an eye disease), enlarged prostate, gallbladder problems, difficulty passing urine, blockage or severe inflammation in the intestine or stomach, thyroid problems, and Down’s syndrome (a genetic disorder that causes growth delay in children).
Avoid consuming alcohol while taking ATROPINE+DIPHENOXYLATE+FURAZOLIDONE as it may cause increased dizziness or drowsiness.
ATROPINE+DIPHENOXYLATE+FURAZOLIDONE is a category C medicine. It may cause harmful effects to the unborn baby, so your doctor will prescribe ATROPINE+DIPHENOXYLATE+FURAZOLIDONE only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
ATROPINE+DIPHENOXYLATE+FURAZOLIDONE may pass into breastmilk. Consult your doctor before taking ATROPINE+DIPHENOXYLATE+FURAZOLIDONE; your doctor will decide whether ATROPINE+DIPHENOXYLATE+FURAZOLIDONE can be taken by doing a risk-benefit assessment.
ATROPINE+DIPHENOXYLATE+FURAZOLIDONE may cause dizziness and drowsiness, so do not drive or operate machinery if you feel dizzy or drowsy.
ATROPINE+DIPHENOXYLATE+FURAZOLIDONE should be used with caution in patients with liver diseases. The dose may have to be adjusted by the doctor as required.
ATROPINE+DIPHENOXYLATE+FURAZOLIDONE should be used with caution in patients with liver diseases. The dose may have to be adjusted by the doctor as required.
ATROPINE+DIPHENOXYLATE+FURAZOLIDONE should not be given to children below 13 years as safety and effectiveness have not been established.
Diarrhoea: It is characterized by loose and watery stools with a frequent need to have a bowel movement. Diarrhoea might be a result of bacterial or parasitic (worm) infection. It can be acute (lasts for a few days) or chronic (lasts for a few weeks). Diarrhoea can lead to loss of water along with salts, electrolytes, and minerals from the body. The common causes of diarrhoea include food intolerance, food allergy, adverse reaction to a medication, or infections. Symptoms include nausea, abdominal pain, cramps, bloating, dehydration, watery loose stools, and frequent urge to evacuate the bowels.