Difenoxin
in MOTOFEN
What it isMu agonist antidiarrheal, the active metabolite of diphenoxylate, combined with atropine.
Why this oneMore potent per milligram than diphenoxylate.
What limits itHigher-dose CNS penetration causes euphoria and dependence; atropine deters these. Avoid in invasive colitis and young children.
FDA-approved for
- diarrhea (1978)
Classes and tags
FDA label
Read the full label on DailyMed ↗
NO BOXED WARNINGS
| FDA dosing | Population | Start | Target | Max |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acute nonspecific diarrhea; acute exacerbation of chronic functional diarrhea | Adults | 2 tablets, then 1 tablet after each loose stool or 1 tablet q3–4h PRN | 1 tablet after each loose stool / q3–4h PRN | 8 tablets/24h |
Renal Undefined
Hepatic Undefined
Total dose during any 24-hour period should not exceed 8 tablets.
Instructions
- Discontinue if no clinical improvement within 48 hours
- Treatment beyond 48 hours is usually not necessary
- Keep in a child-resistant container out of reach of children (overdose may cause severe respiratory depression, coma, permanent brain damage, or death)
Available strengths
- tab 0.025/1 mg
Contraindications
- Diarrhea from organisms that penetrate the intestinal mucosa (toxigenic E. coli, Salmonella, Shigella)
- Pseudomembranous colitis associated with broad-spectrum antibiotics
- Children under 2 years of age
- Jaundiced patients
Cautions
- Overdose may cause severe respiratory depression and coma, possibly leading to permanent brain damage or death
- Contains a small amount of atropine (0.025 mg/tablet); anticholinergic effects unlikely except perhaps in children
- Antiperistaltic agents may prolong/worsen diarrhea in the contraindicated infectious conditions
Adverse reactions
- Nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, epigastric distress, constipation
- Dizziness/light-headedness, drowsiness, headache
- Burning eyes, blurred vision
Pregnancy Pregnancy Category C; use only if potential benefit justifies risk to the fetus.
Lactation Undefined
Cost
Difenoxin (IN MOTOFEN)
| Strength | #/mo | generic $/unit | CostPlus | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.025/1 mg | tab | per unit | not offered |
NADAC is a voluntary CMS survey of what retail community pharmacies pay for the drugs they stock. Difenoxin is dispensed outside retail pharmacies, so it rarely appears on surveyed invoices.
Open Difenoxin in the interactive console ↗
Self-check
- How does difenoxin potency compare per milligram with diphenoxylate?
More potent. - In which bowel disease should difenoxin be avoided?
Invasive colitis.