Drug interactions
Chlorzoxazone + Diphenoxylate
Severity: Moderate
Chlorzoxazone 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 antidiarrheal that can cause CNS depression, especially at higher doses or in children. Chlorzoxazone may increase drowsiness and the risk of respiratory depression.
What this interaction means in plain words
Chlorzoxazone 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.
Chlorzoxazone belongs to Musculoskeletal; Diphenoxylate belongs to Gastrointestinal Tract.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depression from opioid activity and central muscle relaxation.
What to do
Keep to the recommended diphenoxylate dose and monitor for sedation. Counsel the patient to avoid driving and alcohol.
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 Chlorzoxazone
Other interactions of Diphenoxylate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Chlorzoxazone with Diphenoxylate?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Chlorzoxazone 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 antidiarrheal that can cause CNS depression, especially at higher doses or in children. Chlorzoxazone may increase drowsiness and the risk of respiratory depression.
How serious is the interaction between Chlorzoxazone 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: Keep to the recommended diphenoxylate dose and monitor for sedation. Counsel the patient to avoid driving and alcohol.
What other medicines interact with Chlorzoxazone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Chlorzoxazone with, for example, Alfentanil, Alprazolam, Amobarbital. The full list is on the Chlorzoxazone page.
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