Drug interactions
Clomipramine + Diphenhydramine
Severity: Moderate
Clomipramine and Diphenhydramine: 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
Diphenhydramine inhibits CYP2D6 and can increase tricyclic concentrations. It also adds sedative and anticholinergic effects, raising the risk of confusion, urinary retention, constipation and tachycardia.
What this interaction means in plain words
Clomipramine and Diphenhydramine 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.
Clomipramine belongs to Central Nervous System; Diphenhydramine belongs to Respiratory.
Why it happens
CYP2D6 inhibition combined with additive anticholinergic and CNS depressant effects.
What to do
Avoid regular use, particularly in older adults, and monitor for anticholinergic and cardiac effects. Choose a non-sedating antihistamine.
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 Clomipramine
- Arsenic trioxide + Clomipramine Contraindicated
- Clomipramine + Dofetilide Contraindicated
- Clomipramine + Droperidol Contraindicated
- Clomipramine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Clomipramine + Methylene blue Contraindicated
- Clomipramine + Pentamidine Contraindicated
Other interactions of Diphenhydramine
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Clomipramine with Diphenhydramine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Clomipramine and Diphenhydramine 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. Diphenhydramine inhibits CYP2D6 and can increase tricyclic concentrations. It also adds sedative and anticholinergic effects, raising the risk of confusion, urinary retention, constipation and tachycardia.
How serious is the interaction between Clomipramine and Diphenhydramine?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid regular use, particularly in older adults, and monitor for anticholinergic and cardiac effects. Choose a non-sedating antihistamine.
What other medicines interact with Clomipramine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Clomipramine with, for example, Arsenic trioxide, Dofetilide, Droperidol. The full list is on the Clomipramine page.
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