Diphenoxylate

Diphenoxylate: Uses, Dosage and Side Effects

Overview

• An opioid that increases the tone of intestinal segmental smooth muscle, decreases the propulsive activity of smooth muscle and reduces electrolyte and water secretion into the intestinal lumen.
• To prevent diphenoxylate overdose abuse, atropine is administered in a subtherapeutic dose.

Uses of Diphenoxylate

• Canine acute diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome treatment.
• Concurrent correction of the water and electrolyte imbalance is recommended while the cause of the diarrhea is investigated.
• Chronic cough treatment owing to its antitussive properties.

Dose of Diphenoxylate in Dogs and Cats

Dogs:

• Antidiarrhoeal: 0.05–0.1 mg/kg diphenoxylate p.o. q6–8h.
• Antitussive: 0.2–0.4 mg/kg diphenoxylate p.o. q8–12h.

Cats:

No information is available.

Side Effects of Diphenoxylate in Dogs and Cats

• Constipation, sedation, and ileus.
• Do not administer to animals suffering from liver disease, intestinal obstruction, or malignant or toxic bowel disease.
• Little is known about the safety and efficacy of diphenoxylate in cats; there may be undesirable behavioral effects (excitement).

Contraindications of Diphenoxylate in Dogs and Cats

• Intestinal obstruction

Some Notes:

Diphenoxylate may potentiate the sedative effects of barbiturates and other tranquilizers.