Drug interactions
Desipramine + Diphenoxylate-atropine
Severity: Moderate
Desipramine 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
Desipramine has sedating and anticholinergic properties that overlap with the atropine and opioid components of this antidiarrheal. Together they may increase drowsiness, dry mouth, urinary retention, constipation and, in susceptible patients, ileus.
What this interaction means in plain words
Desipramine 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.
Desipramine belongs to Central Nervous System; Diphenoxylate-atropine belongs to Gastrointestinal Tract.
Why it happens
Additive anticholinergic and central nervous system depressant effects.
What to do
Monitor for excessive sedation and anticholinergic toxicity such as urinary retention or abdominal distension. Avoid prolonged use together, particularly in older patients.
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 Diphenoxylate-atropine
- Diphenoxylate-atropine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Diphenoxylate-atropine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Diphenoxylate-atropine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Diphenoxylate-atropine Major
- Alvimopan + Diphenoxylate-atropine Major
- Amitriptyline + Diphenoxylate-atropine Major
Other interactions of Desipramine
- Desipramine + Disopyramide Contraindicated
- Desipramine + Dofetilide Contraindicated
- Desipramine + Ibutilide Contraindicated
- Desipramine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Desipramine + Methylene blue Contraindicated
- Desipramine + Pentamidine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Desipramine with Diphenoxylate-atropine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Desipramine 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. Desipramine has sedating and anticholinergic properties that overlap with the atropine and opioid components of this antidiarrheal. Together they may increase drowsiness, dry mouth, urinary retention, constipation and, in susceptible patients, ileus.
How serious is the interaction between Desipramine 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: Monitor for excessive sedation and anticholinergic toxicity such as urinary retention or abdominal distension. Avoid prolonged use together, particularly in older patients.
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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