Are one or two dangerous? Diphenoxylate-atropine exposure in toddlers

J Emerg Med. 2008 Jan;34(1):71-5. doi: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2007.03.051. Epub 2007 Aug 29.

Abstract

Lomotil (Pfizer Inc., New York, NY) (diphenoxylate-atropine) is said to be potentially toxic to toddlers with exposure to as little as one to two tablets. A review of the data on diphenoxylate-atropine poisonings from the American Association of Poison Control Centers annual reports, review articles, and case series disputes this view. Fatalities associated with diphenoxylate-atropine have been reported in toddlers after repetitive or incorrect dosages. Fortunately, trends in pediatric diphenoxylate-atropine ingestions are decreasing. We review the management, trends, and current concepts regarding pediatric diphenoxylate-atropine ingestions.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Atropine / administration & dosage
  • Atropine / poisoning*
  • Child, Preschool
  • Diphenoxylate / administration & dosage
  • Diphenoxylate / poisoning*
  • Drug Combinations
  • Gastrointestinal Agents / administration & dosage
  • Gastrointestinal Agents / poisoning*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Poisoning / epidemiology
  • Poisoning / mortality
  • Poisoning / therapy
  • United States / epidemiology

Substances

  • Drug Combinations
  • Gastrointestinal Agents
  • atropine sulfate-diphenoxylate hydrochloride drug combination
  • Diphenoxylate
  • Atropine