Difenoxin and Atropine

Generic name: Difenoxin and Atropine [ dye-fen-OKS-in-& A-troe-peen ]
Brand name: Motofen
Drug class: Antidiarrheals

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 8, 2024.

Uses of Difenoxin and Atropine:

• It is used to treat diarrhea.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Difenoxin and Atropine?

For all patients taking difenoxin and atropine:

• If you have an allergy to difenoxin, atropine, or any other part of difenoxin and atropine.
• If you are allergic to difenoxin and atropine; any part of difenoxin and atropine; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
• If you have any of these health problems: Diarrhea caused by infection, diarrhea caused by a severe bowel problem (pseudomembranous colitis), or yellowing of the skin or eyes.
• If you are breast-feeding or plan to breast-feed.

Children:

• If your child is younger than 2 years of age. Do not give difenoxin and atropine to a child younger than 2 years of age.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with difenoxin and atropine.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take difenoxin and atropine with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Difenoxin and Atropine?

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take difenoxin and atropine. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• Avoid driving and doing other tasks or actions that call for you to be alert until you see how difenoxin and atropine affects you.
• This medicine may be habit-forming with long-term use.
• Talk with your doctor before you drink alcohol or use other drugs and natural products that slow your actions.
• Talk with your doctor about drinking lots of fluids and other ways to prevent fluid loss. If you have a lot of fluid loss, you may have more side effects from difenoxin and atropine.
• Keep away from children. Accidental exposure and overdose may result in very bad breathing problems or coma. These could lead to long lasting brain damage and sometimes death. If a child takes difenoxin and atropine by accident, get medical help right away.
• Keep away from children. Accidental exposure may cause death. If a child takes difenoxin and atropine by accident, get medical help right away.
• Use with care in children. Talk with the doctor.
• This medicine is not approved for use in children younger than 12 years old. Talk with the doctor.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using difenoxin and atropine while you are pregnant.

How is this medicine (Difenoxin and Atropine) best taken?

Use difenoxin and atropine as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• Take with or without food.
• Follow how to take difenoxin and atropine as you have been told by your doctor. Do not use more than you were told to use.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• This medicine is taken on an as needed basis. Do not take more often than told by the doctor.

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Signs of fluid and electrolyte problems like mood changes, confusion, muscle pain or weakness, a heartbeat that does not feel normal, very bad dizziness or passing out, fast heartbeat, more thirst, seizures, feeling very tired or weak, not hungry, unable to pass urine or change in the amount of urine produced, dry mouth, dry eyes, or very bad upset stomach or throwing up.
• Signs of a pancreas problem (pancreatitis) like very bad stomach pain, very bad back pain, or very bad upset stomach or throwing up.
• Trouble breathing, slow breathing, or shallow breathing.
• Flushing.
• Fever.
• A fast heartbeat.
• Trouble passing urine.
• Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet.
• Feeling confused.
• Change in eyesight.
• Mood changes.
• Change in the way you act.
• Very bad constipation.
• Very bad belly pain.
• Swelling of belly.

Related/similar drugs

What are some other side effects of Difenoxin and Atropine?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Feeling sleepy.
• Dizziness.
• Upset stomach.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Difenoxin and Atropine?

• Store at room temperature.
• Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

• If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about difenoxin and atropine, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer