SYMPTOMATIC THERAPY FOR CHRONIC DIARRHœA A COMPARISON OF THE EFFECTS OF CODEINE PHOSPHATE AND DIPHENOXYLATE HYDROCHLORIDE

Abstract

Ten patients with chronic diarrhœa present daily for more than 6 months have been studied in a double blind fashion to compare the efficacy of diphenoxylate hydrochloride (Lomotil) 5 mg, 3 times a day, with codeine phosphate, 15 mg, 3 times a day. Both drugs significantly reduced the frequency of bowel movements without influencing the underlying disturbance of physiology. Clinically there is some variation in patients' acceptance of the drugs. Although both drugs appear relatively safe, diphenoxylate is not listed as a restricted narcotic.