diphenoxylate hydrochloride /dī′fənok″silāt/ , an opioid antidiarrheal that contains subclinical amounts of atropine sulfate to limit abuse. ▪ INDICATIONS: It is prescribed in the treatment of noninfectious diarrhea and intestinal cramping. ▪ CONTRAINDICATIONS: Liver disease, antibiotic-associated diarrhea, or known hypersensitivity to this drug prohibits its use. It is not given to children less than 2 years of age. ▪ ADVERSE EFFECTS: Among the more serious adverse reactions are abdominal discomfort, intestinal obstruction, skin rash, tachycardia, urinary retention, nausea, and addiction.
