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Drug interactions

Clemastine + Diphenoxylate-atropine

Severity: Moderate

Clemastine and Diphenoxylate-atropine: 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

Clemastine is a sedating, anticholinergic first-generation antihistamine. Combined with diphenoxylate-atropine it may increase drowsiness and antimuscarinic effects such as dry mouth, constipation and urinary retention.

What this interaction means in plain words

Clemastine and Diphenoxylate-atropine 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.

Clemastine belongs to Respiratory; Diphenoxylate-atropine belongs to Gastrointestinal Tract.

Evidence level: Moderate

Why it happens

Additive CNS depression and additive antimuscarinic effects.

What to do

Advise about sedation and anticholinergic symptoms; use a non-sedating antihistamine if possible and monitor older adults.

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?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Clemastine with Diphenoxylate-atropine?

MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Clemastine and Diphenoxylate-atropine 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. Clemastine is a sedating, anticholinergic first-generation antihistamine. Combined with diphenoxylate-atropine it may increase drowsiness and antimuscarinic effects such as dry mouth, constipation and urinary retention.

How serious is the interaction between Clemastine and Diphenoxylate-atropine?

MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Advise about sedation and anticholinergic symptoms; use a non-sedating antihistamine if possible and monitor older adults.

What other medicines interact with Diphenoxylate-atropine?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Diphenoxylate-atropine with, for example, Isocarboxazid, Phenelzine, Tranylcypromine. The full list is on the Diphenoxylate-atropine page.

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