Table 6.

Antimotility Agents²⁶

Agent	Form	Clinical Considerations
Loperamide	Oral: liquid, tablet, capsule	Limited effects on the central nervous system Enterohepatic circulation of loperamide can be disrupted with extensive ileal resection.
Diphenoxylate/atropine	Oral: liquid, tablet	Atropine crosses blood-brain barrier; careful use in elderly patients Atropine discourages drug abuse by anticholinergic events if >10 tablets
Codeine	Oral: liquid, tablet	Avoid use of codeine/acetaminophen combinations due to the risk of acetaminophen toxicity. CYP2D6 genotyping may need to be considered.
Tincture of opium	Oral: liquid	Not available in all pharmacies Not always covered by insurance Always dose in mL (not drops); caution should be taken when eyesight is poor. Costly Patients dislike the taste.