Side effects attributed to the atropine content (especially when taken in excess doses, or in children), include: flushing, dryness in many areas, urinary retention, insomnia, headache, anxiety, hyperthermia, and tachycardia. It is these side effects that make it undesirable for most patients to take higher amounts of the medicine. Dosing and administration
The recommended initial dosing is two tablets, and one tablet to be taken after each loose stool thereafter. The therapeutic dosage for Motofen should not exceed 8 tablets (8 milligrams of Difenoxin). There are currently no instructions indicating usage for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and Hyperhidrosis, although as stated above, it has been used successfully in treating symptoms of both disorders (which can accompany each other). There was a "Motofen half-strength" tablet, containing only 0.5 milligram of difenoxin, but it has since been discontinued. Only standard 1.0 milligram strength tablets are available by prescription. Availability, price, and supply
There is currently only one manufacturer of Motofen tablets: Valeant Pharmaceuticals. It acquired the drug from Amarin Pharmaceuticals in 2004. Valeants tablets are pentagonal shaped, impressed with a "V" on one side, and vertically scored on the other side. In addition, the number "0500" is impressed bisecting the score line perpendicularly. The aforementioned bisection renders "05" and "00" on the left and right side of the score, respectively. Amarins version were also pentagonal shaped, but impressed with an "A" on one side with "74" on the opposing.
Valeant did set up a list of those calling in about the medication to inform interested parties and it is assumed that this reaction by those who do need this medication is what prompted the return of Motofen despite the numerous instances of pushing back of the return date by Valeant. Motofen is now back on the market as of June 2011 and available only by prescription in the United States. References
External links
A comprehensive article about the subgroup of anti-diarrhoeal drugs including Motofen can be found at the article Diphenoxylate.