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Overview: Motofen is a combination of two medicines used to treat certain types of diarrhea. Common side effects can include nausea, tiredness, and dizziness. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how Motofen affects you. Before taking Motofen, make sure to tell your health care provider about any health conditions or medicines you are taking.

Uses

What is Motofen used for?

Motofen (difenoxin/atropine) is a combination medicine commonly used to treat certain types of diarrhea.

Motofen may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does Motofen work (mechanism of action)?

Motofen is made up of two medicines, difenoxin and atropine. Difenoxin works to relax the muscles in your intestines and slow down the movement of food through your digestive system. Atropine is added to help prevent people from taking too much of this medicine.

How is Motofen supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Motofen

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 1 mg/0.025 mg oral tablets

How should I store Motofen?

Motofen should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Motofen?

The most common side effects of Motofen are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Dry mouth
  • Dizziness 
  • Drowsiness or tiredness
  • Headache

There may be other side effects of Motofen that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Motofen?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Motofen are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Motofen may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking Motofen and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives, which can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Motofen?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take Motofen.

  • Atropine
  • Difenoxin
  • Motofen
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Motofen.

Children. Children who are less than 2 years old should not take Motofen because the medicine may be unsafe in this age group.

Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea or Traveler’s Diarrhea. Motofen should not be taken if you have diarrhea caused by certain bacteria, such as Clostridium difficile (C. diff), Escherichia coli (E. coli), salmonella, or shigella.

Jaundice. Motofen should not be used if you have jaundice, a condition that causes your eyes and skin to turn yellow. 

What should I know about Motofen before using it?

Do not take Motofen unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share Motofen with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep Motofen out of the reach of children. Motofen is a controlled substance because it can be misused or lead to dependence. Store Motofen in a safe place to protect it from theft. It is illegal to sell or give away this medicine.

Motofen can affect your alertness or coordination. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how Motofen affects you.

Drink plenty of water while taking Motofen.

If you have been taking Motofen for two days and your diarrhea does not get better, call your health care provider.

What should I tell my health care provider before using Motofen?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if Motofen is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

Dehydration. If you have dehydration, Motofen may make this condition worse. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following symptoms of dehydration before taking this medicine.

  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Weakness or unusual tiredness
  • Confusion
  • Unsteadiness
  • Peeing less than normal
  • Swelling in your legs, ankles, and feet
  • Loss of appetite or nausea
  • A hard time catching your breath or chest pain or pressure
  • Seizures
  • Extreme thirst

Other Medicines and Supplements. Motofen may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking Motofen, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Motofen could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. Motofen passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should stop breastfeeding or stop Motofen.

How can I get more information about Motofen?

For more information about Motofen, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at www.motofen.com or call them at 844-732-3521.

Interactions

Does Motofen interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Motofen and foods or drinks.

Do not drink alcohol while taking Motofen. Drinking alcohol while taking Motofen can increase your risk of tiredness, dizziness, and serious side effects such as trouble breathing that can lead to death.

Does Motofen interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking Motofen.

  • A monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), which is a medicine usually used for depression or Parkinson’s disease
  • A barbiturate, such as butalbital, phenobarbital, or primidone, which is a medicine that may be used to treat insomnia, migraines, or seizures
  • Any other medicine that causes dizziness and sleepiness, such as prescription pain medicines, sleep medicines, or medicines for anxiety

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Motofen. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Motofen?

If you or someone else has used too much Motofen, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Motofen?

Motofen is meant to be used only when needed. Use it as your health care provider recommends. Do not take double or extra doses.