Question 29

Diphenoxylate/atropine (Lomotil) is used to treat diarrhea.

Diphenoxylate/atropine (Lomotil) is specifically indicated for the treatment of diarrhea by slowing down gut motility and reducing the frequency of bowel movements.

A) Vertigo

Vertigo is a condition characterized by a sensation of spinning or dizziness, often related to inner ear issues or neurological conditions. Diphenoxylate/atropine does not address the underlying causes of vertigo and is therefore not an appropriate treatment option for this condition.

B) Nausea

Nausea refers to the sensation of needing to vomit and can be caused by various factors such as motion sickness, medications, or gastrointestinal issues. While some medications treat nausea, Diphenoxylate/atropine is not indicated for this use, as it targets diarrhea instead.

C) Diarrhea

Diphenoxylate/atropine (Lomotil) is specifically formulated to treat diarrhea by decreasing intestinal motility and increasing the transit time of stools. This makes it effective in managing the symptoms associated with diarrhea.

D) Constipation

Constipation is a condition characterized by infrequent bowel movements and difficulty passing stools. Diphenoxylate/atropine is not used to treat constipation; in fact, its action of slowing down gut motility could exacerbate this condition.

Conclusion

Diphenoxylate/atropine (Lomotil) is definitively used to treat diarrhea, making option C the correct choice. Other options, including vertigo, nausea, and constipation, are not addressed by this medication, underscoring its specific therapeutic application.