[Analysis of 50 cases of Lomotil poisoning in children]

The authors reviewed the clinical histories of 50 children admitted to the Emergency Department of Hospital de Pediatría, C.M.N., I.M.S.S. from 1971 through 1975, with the diagnosis of lomotil intoxication. No differences were found as to sex. Frequency was greater at ages from 2 to 3 years from accidental mechanism, which increased between 1973 to 1975. Lethality was similar to that reported by other authors. In the clinical picture, the depressive action of diphenoxylate and the anticholinergic action of atropine were outstanding, without being possible to establish the limits between the two, with somnolence and flushness as main symptoms. The treatment given followed the purpose to eliminate the toxic: emesis, gastric washing and in cases of respiratory depression, naloxone was given. Therefore, it is concluded that since the value of lomotil in the treatment of diarrhea has not been proved and that the risk of its administration is greater than the benefit, this product should be proscribed, specially for pediatric use.