What is "co-phenotrope"

n. (context medicine English) A mixture of diphenoxylate and atropine used in the treatment of diarrhoea

The drug combination diphenoxylate/atropine ( trade name Lomotil) is a popular oral anti-diarrheal in the United States, manufactured by Pfizer. Its UK BAN generic name is co-phenotrope.

Its active ingredients are diphenoxylate and atropine. Diphenoxylate is anti-diarrheal and atropine is anticholinergic. A subtherapeutic amount of atropine sulfate is present to discourage deliberate overdosage. Atropine has no anti-diarrheal properties, but will cause tachycardia when overused. The medication diphenoxylate works by slowing down the movement of the intestines. In some cases Lomotil has been shown to ease symptoms of opiate/opioid withdrawal.

The inactive ingredients of Lomotil (as a liquid; it comes in pill form as well) are cherry flavor, citric acid, ethyl alcohol 15%, FD&C Yellow No. 6, glycerin, sodium phosphate, sorbitol, and water.

Other trade names for the same therapeutic combination are Lofene, Logen, Lomanate and Lonox, among others. In other countries, Lomotil may have other names.

In the United States, Lomotil is classified as a Schedule V controlled substance by federal law, and is available only for a medical purpose.