The brand name for an antiperistaltic anti-diarrheal medication, containing 1.0 mg difenoxin HCl and 0.025 mg atropine, Schedule IV Combination.
Atropine is purposely added at 25 micrograms per tablet, or 1/24 to 1/40 of the usual therapeutic dose for atropine to minimize the potential of misuse by swallowing large numbers of tablets or preparing them for injection.
Difenoxin is chemically related to the subgroup of the opioid family, and could theoretically be misused.
If taken for prolonged periods, physical and mental withdrawal symptoms caused by atropine, and opiate withdrawal caused by the difenoxin are possible.
Both atropine and difenoxin slow gut movement).
Motofen approximately 2 to 4 times more effective in treating symptoms than Lomotil.
Approved by the FDA for diarrhea, but is useful for irritable bowel syndrome and hyperhidrosis.
Adverse effects include: drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, burning eyes, blurred vision, dry eyes, dizziness, dry mouth, epigastric distress, and constipation.
Side effects attributed to the atropine include: flushing, dryness in many areas, urinary retention, insomnia, headache, anxiety, hyperthermia, and tachycardia.
Atropinic side effects that make it undesirable for most patients to take higher amounts of the medicine.
The recommended initial dosing is two tablets, and one tablet to be taken after each loose stool thereafter.
Standard 1.0 milligram strength tablets are available by prescription.