Diphenoxylate

Diphenoxylate

File:Diphenoxylate.png
Clinical data
ATC code	A07DA01 (WHO)
Legal status
Legal status	US: Schedule II
Pharmacokinetic data
Protein binding	74-95%
Elimination half-life	12-14 hours
Identifiers
IUPAC name ethyl 1-(3-cyano-3,3-diphenyl-propyl)- 4-phenyl-piperidine-4-carboxylate
CAS Number	915-30-0
PubChem CID	13505
DrugBank	APRD00366
E number	{{#property:P628}}
ECHA InfoCard	{{#property:P2566}}
Chemical and physical data
Formula	C30H32N2O2
Molar mass	452.587 g/mol

Diphenoxylate is an opioid agonist used for the treatment of diarrhea that acts by slowing intestinal contractions. It was discovered at Janssen Pharmaceutica in 1956. It is a congener to the narcotic Meperidine of which the common brand name is Demerol. This being the case, this medication is potentially habit-forming, particularly in high doses or when long-time usage is involved. Because of this, diphenoxylate is manufactured and marketed as a combination drug with atropine (Lomotil®).

This pharmaceutical strategy is designed to discourage abuse, because the anticholinergic effect of atropine will produce severe weakness and nausea if standard dosage is exceeded.

This medication is classified as a Schedule V under the Controlled Substances Act by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the DEA in the United States when used in preparations. When diphenoxylate is used alone, it is classified as a Schedule II.

References

• Merlo M, Brown CH, The effect of diphenoxylate hydrochloride on diarrhea, Am J Gastroenterol. 1960 Dec;34:625-30.
• Kasic AM, Treatment of diarrhea in irritable colon, including preliminary observations with a new antidiarrheal agent, diphenoxylate hydrochloride (Lomotil), Am J Gastroenterol. 1961 Jan;35:46-9.