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Lomotil®, Lonox®

This is a combination drug containing two ingredients, diphenoxylate and atropine, that is used in the treatment of diarrhea. Diphenoxylate is in a class of drugs known as antidiarrheals.

Interactions with Herbs

Tannin-containing herbs
Tannins are a group of unrelated chemicals that give plants an astringent taste. Herbs containing high amounts of tannins, such as green tea (Camellia sinensis), black tea, uva ursi (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi), black walnut (Juglans nigra),red raspberry (Rubus idaeus),oak (Quercus spp.), and witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana), may interfere with the absorption of the drug when taken by mouth.1

Interactions with Foods and Other Compounds

Alcohol
Diphenoxylate may enhance the actions of alcohol,2 resulting in increased drowsiness, dizziness, imbalance, and poor response times. Therefore, people taking diphenoxylate should avoid alcohol, especially when staying alert is necessary.

Summary of Interactions for Lomotil, Lonox

Depletion or interference None known
Adverse interaction None known
Side effect reduction/prevention None known
Supportive interaction None known
Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability Tannin-containing herbs* such as green tea, black tea, uva ursi, black walnut, red raspberry, oak, and witch hazel

For the convenience of the reader, the information in the summary is categorized as follows: “Depletion or interference” indicates the drug may deplete or interfere with the absorption or function of the supplement or herb. “Adverse interaction” indicates that the supplement or herb used together with the drug may result in undesirable effects. “Side effect reduction/prevention” indicates the supplement or herb may reduce the likelihood and/or severity of a potential side effect caused by the drug. “Supportive interaction” indicates the supplement or herb may support or aid the function of the drug. “Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability” indicates that the supplement or herb may decrease the absorption and/or activity of the drug in the body. An asterisk (*) next to an item in the summary indicates that the interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.

References:

1. Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Institute, 1997, 100.

2. Sifton DW, ed. Physicians Desk Reference. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 2000, 2923–4.