Drug interactions
Desipramine + Diphenoxylate
Severity: Moderate
Desipramine 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 with CNS depressant potential, and desipramine is sedating and anticholinergic. Together they may cause increased drowsiness, and the combined anticholinergic effect may promote constipation or ileus.
What this interaction means in plain words
Desipramine 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.
Desipramine belongs to Central Nervous System; Diphenoxylate belongs to Gastrointestinal Tract.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depression and additive antimuscarinic effects on gastrointestinal motility.
What to do
Use the lowest effective diphenoxylate dose for the shortest time and monitor for sedation and abdominal distension. Stop the antidiarrheal if bloating, constipation or marked drowsiness develops.
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 Desipramine
- Desipramine + Disopyramide Contraindicated
- Desipramine + Dofetilide Contraindicated
- Desipramine + Ibutilide Contraindicated
- Desipramine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Desipramine + Methylene blue Contraindicated
- Desipramine + Pentamidine Contraindicated
Other interactions of Diphenoxylate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Desipramine with Diphenoxylate?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Desipramine 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 with CNS depressant potential, and desipramine is sedating and anticholinergic. Together they may cause increased drowsiness, and the combined anticholinergic effect may promote constipation or ileus.
How serious is the interaction between Desipramine 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: Use the lowest effective diphenoxylate dose for the shortest time and monitor for sedation and abdominal distension. Stop the antidiarrheal if bloating, constipation or marked drowsiness develops.
What other medicines interact with Desipramine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Desipramine with, for example, Disopyramide, Dofetilide, Ibutilide. The full list is on the Desipramine page.
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