Background:Traveler's diarrhea (TD) is a major health concern in people traveling to developing countries. The current study aimed to determine the effectiveness and safety of Lomotil, a combination of diphenoxylate hydrochloride and atropine sulfate, and its applicability in TD. Methods: This was a cross-sectional, non-randomized, multicentric observational study. Patients of either sex, aged > 18 years, with 4-6 stools per day and symptoms of fever, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps were included. Patients were given diphenoxylate hydrochloride & atropine sulfate. Outcomes were i) assessment of stool frequency, stool consistency, and abdominal cramps/gas from baseline to subsequent follow-ups (Days 1, 2, 3, 4, and one week) and ii) assessment of the occurrence of infection and adverse drug reactions. Results: A total of 327 patients were involved in the study, of which the majority were men (74.62%). The mean age of patients was 34.08 years and the most common (74%) symptom was vomiting. Post-treatment, patients showed a significant reduction in, i) stool frequency (5.09 vs. 0.20, p<0.0001), ii) stool consistency (5.00 vs. 0.20, p<0.0001), and iii) daily abdominal gas/discomfort (4.93 vs. 0.27, p<0.0001) from baseline to week 1, respectively. Amajority (59.63%) of patients had not reported adverse drug reactions with only 39.60% stating feeling dizzy or drowsy. The majority (47.48%) of the patients stated that they liked the treatment very much and 60% of physicians reported overall improvement in the patients. Conclusion: Diphenoxylate hydrochloride and atropine sulfate were demonstrated as effective in reducing symptoms of diarrhea, with minor adverse drug reactions signifying its use in the immediate relief of TD.
Jain et al. (Fri,) studied this question.