Drug interactions
Brimonidine + Diphenoxylate
Severity: Moderate
Brimonidine and Diphenoxylate: moderate interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Diphenoxylate is an opioid-type antidiarrheal that can cause drowsiness and CNS depression at higher doses. Brimonidine may add to sedation.
What this interaction means in plain words
Brimonidine and Diphenoxylate can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Brimonidine belongs to Miscellaneous; Diphenoxylate belongs to Gastrointestinal Tract.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depression from opioid receptor agonism and alpha-2 agonism.
What to do
Monitor for excessive sedation and keep diphenoxylate within labeled doses. Counsel against driving until the response is known.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Brimonidine
- Brimonidine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Brimonidine + Linezolid Contraindicated
- Brimonidine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Brimonidine + Procarbazine Contraindicated
- Brimonidine + Rasagiline Contraindicated
- Brimonidine + Selegiline Contraindicated
Other interactions of Diphenoxylate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Brimonidine with Diphenoxylate?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Brimonidine and Diphenoxylate can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Diphenoxylate is an opioid-type antidiarrheal that can cause drowsiness and CNS depression at higher doses. Brimonidine may add to sedation.
How serious is the interaction between Brimonidine and Diphenoxylate?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor for excessive sedation and keep diphenoxylate within labeled doses. Counsel against driving until the response is known.
What other medicines interact with Brimonidine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Brimonidine with, for example, Isocarboxazid, Linezolid, Phenelzine. The full list is on the Brimonidine page.
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