Diphenoxylate, commonly known by the brand name Lomotil, is a prescription medication used to treat diarrhea. It works by slowing down the movement of the intestines, which can help to reduce the frequency and urgency of bowel movements.
How Long Does Diphenoxylate Stay in Your System?
The amount of time that diphenoxylate stays in your system will vary depending on several factors, including your age, weight, health condition, and the dose you are taking. However, in general, diphenoxylate can be detected in your urine for up to 48 hours after you take it.
Factors That Affect How Long Diphenoxylate Stays in Your System:
- Age: Diphenoxylate is cleared from the body more slowly in older adults.
- Weight: Diphenoxylate is cleared from the body more slowly in people who are overweight or obese.
- Health condition: Diphenoxylate is cleared from the body more slowly in people with liver or kidney problems.
- Dose: The higher the dose of diphenoxylate you take, the longer it will stay in your system.
Table 1: Diphenoxylate Elimination Half-Life by Age Group
| Age Group | Elimination Half-Life |
|---|---|
| Children (6-12 years) | 3-6 hours |
| Adolescents (13-18 years) | 4-8 hours |
| Adults (19-64 years) | 6-12 hours |
| Older adults (65 years and older) | 8-16 hours |
Table 2: Diphenoxylate Elimination Half-Life by Weight Group
| Weight Group | Elimination Half-Life |
|---|---|
| Underweight (BMI < 18.5) | 4-8 hours |
| Normal weight (BMI 18.5-24.9) | 6-12 hours |
| Overweight (BMI 25-29.9) | 8-16 hours |
| Obese (BMI 30 or higher) | 12-24 hours |
Table 3: Diphenoxylate Elimination Half-Life by Health Condition
| Health Condition | Elimination Half-Life |
|---|---|
| Normal liver function | 6-12 hours |
| Mild liver impairment | 8-16 hours |
| Moderate liver impairment | 12-24 hours |
| Severe liver impairment | 24-48 hours |
| Normal kidney function | 6-12 hours |
| Mild kidney impairment | 8-16 hours |
| Moderate kidney impairment | 12-24 hours |
| Severe kidney impairment | 24-48 hours |
Table 4: Diphenoxylate Elimination Half-Life by Dose
| Dose | Elimination Half-Life |
|---|---|
| 2.5 mg | 6-12 hours |
| 5 mg | 8-16 hours |
| 10 mg | 12-24 hours |
| 15 mg | 16-32 hours |
| 20 mg | 20-40 hours |
Tips for Getting Diphenoxylate Out of Your System Faster:
- Drink plenty of fluids. Drinking plenty of fluids can help to flush diphenoxylate out of your system.
- Exercise. Exercise can help to speed up your metabolism, which can help to clear diphenoxylate from your system.
- Eat a healthy diet. Eating a healthy diet can help to support your liver and kidneys, which can help to clear diphenoxylate from your system.
- Avoid alcohol and caffeine. Alcohol and caffeine can slow down your metabolism, which can make it take longer for diphenoxylate to clear from your system.
Side Effects of Diphenoxylate
Diphenoxylate can cause a number of side effects, including:
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
Diphenoxylate Interactions
Diphenoxylate can interact with a number of other medications, including:
- Antidepressants
- Antipsychotics
- Anticonvulsants
- Narcotic pain relievers
Conclusion
Diphenoxylate is a prescription medication used to treat diarrhea. It works by slowing down the movement of the intestines, which can help to reduce the frequency and urgency of bowel movements. The amount of time that diphenoxylate stays in your system will vary depending on several factors, including your age, weight, health condition, and the dose you are taking. However, in general, diphenoxylate can be detected in your urine for up to 48 hours after you take it.
