Drug interactions
Diazepam + Diphenoxylate-atropine
Severity: Moderate
Diazepam 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
Diazepam is a benzodiazepine, and combining it with an opioid such as diphenoxylate can increase sedation and impair psychomotor function. Respiratory depression is a concern with high doses of diphenoxylate or in vulnerable patients.
What this interaction means in plain words
Diazepam 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.
Diazepam belongs to Musculoskeletal; Diphenoxylate-atropine belongs to Gastrointestinal Tract.
Why it happens
Additive central nervous system and respiratory depression from benzodiazepine and opioid activity.
What to do
Use the lowest effective doses and avoid exceeding the labeled diphenoxylate dose. Warn patients about drowsiness and monitor respiratory status in elderly or debilitated 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 Diazepam
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Diazepam with Diphenoxylate-atropine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Diazepam 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. Diazepam is a benzodiazepine, and combining it with an opioid such as diphenoxylate can increase sedation and impair psychomotor function. Respiratory depression is a concern with high doses of diphenoxylate or in vulnerable patients.
How serious is the interaction between Diazepam 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: Use the lowest effective doses and avoid exceeding the labeled diphenoxylate dose. Warn patients about drowsiness and monitor respiratory status in elderly or debilitated 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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