difenoxin + atropine

**Difenoxin + atropine** is a fixed-dose oral combination of two drugs, used primarily for the treatment of acute and chronic diarrhea. Difenoxin is a synthetic opioid derivative and active metabolite of diphenoxylate; it acts as a potent antidiarrheal by agonizing presynaptic mu-opioid receptors in the enteric nervous system, resulting in inhibition of gastrointestinal motility and secretion, thereby reducing stool frequency and liquidity. Atropine, an anticholinergic agent, is included in subtherapeutic doses to deter deliberate misuse and overdose by inducing unpleasant anticholinergic side effects at higher-than-therapeutic doses. The primary indication is the symptomatic management of diarrhea in adults and children older than 13, especially when non-pharmacological measures are insufficient. The main approved brand formulation, Motofen, is available as tablets containing 1 mg difenoxin and 0.025 mg atropine. The combination is classified as a Schedule IV controlled substance when formulated together, reflecting its lower abuse potential due to atropine inclusion[3][4][7][8].

Brand names

Motofen

Other names

difenoxin and atropineatropine and difenoxindifenoxin/atropineatropine/difenoxin