Difenoxin
Difenoxin is an anti-diarrheal medication that works by slowing down the movement of the intestines, allowing for more water to be absorbed from stool.
Difenoxin is an anti-diarrheal agent that slows intestinal motility to treat acute and chronic diarrhea.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- A07DA04
- RxNorm
- 23024
- Generic
- Difenoxin
- Class
- atc-a07
- Brands
- Motofen
- Availability
- rx
- Pregnancy
- C
- Lactation
- caution
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- tablet
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 1-2mg initially, then 1-2mg after each bowel movement
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- not to exceed 8mg in 24 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- not recommended for children under 12 years
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- as directed by physician
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 1mg initially, then 1mg after each bowel movement
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- not to exceed 4mg in 24 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
8 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
second third trimesteruse lowest effective dose
use only if clearly needed and benefits outweigh risks
fetal monitoring and uterine activity assessment
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingavoid
discontinue breastfeeding or avoid drug
monitor infant for sedation and respiratory depression
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
geriatric
elderlyreduce dose
use with caution start with lowest effective dose
monitor for sedation confusion and constipation
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children under 12not recommended
contraindicated in children due to risk of respiratory depression
respiratory and neurological monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
renal_impairment
mild moderatereduce dose by 50%
use with caution and monitor renal function
monitor renal function and for signs of toxicity
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mild moderatereduce dose
use with caution monitor liver function
monitor liver function tests
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
alcohol_users
concurrent useavoid
avoid alcohol during treatment
monitor for excessive sedation and respiratory depression
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
Initial FDA approval for Difenoxin
Drug class
Pharmacological classification
Primary indication
Therapeutic use
Mechanism of action
Mode of action
Treatment of acute and chronic diarrhea, including traveler's diarrhea and diarrhea associated with inflammatory bowel conditions. Often prescribed when other anti-diarrheal measures have not been effective.
Difenoxin acts on the mu-opioid receptors in the gastrointestinal tract, reducing intestinal motility and secretions. This allows more time for water and electrolytes to be absorbed from fecal contents, resulting in firmer stools and reduced frequency of bowel movements.
May cause drowsiness or dizziness; avoid operating machinery. Should not be used in patients with obstructive jaundice, bacterial enterocolitis caused by organisms including Salmonella, Shigella, or Campylobacter, or pseudomembranous colitis. The atropine component is included to discourage overdose. Use with caution in patients with liver or kidney disease.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 24, 2026. · Read our editorial policy