Drug interactions
Difenoxin + Metaxalone
Severity: Moderate
Difenoxin and Metaxalone: 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
Difenoxin, the active metabolite of diphenoxylate, can cause drowsiness and CNS depression, especially at high doses. With metaxalone the sedative effect may be increased.
What this interaction means in plain words
Difenoxin and Metaxalone 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.
Difenoxin belongs to Gastrointestinal Tract; Metaxalone belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depression from an opioid-related antidiarrheal and a sedating muscle relaxant.
What to do
Use the lowest effective doses and monitor for excessive sedation. Advise patients to avoid driving and alcohol while taking both.
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 Metaxalone
Other interactions of Difenoxin
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Difenoxin with Metaxalone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Difenoxin and Metaxalone 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. Difenoxin, the active metabolite of diphenoxylate, can cause drowsiness and CNS depression, especially at high doses. With metaxalone the sedative effect may be increased.
How serious is the interaction between Difenoxin and Metaxalone?
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 monitor for excessive sedation. Advise patients to avoid driving and alcohol while taking both.
What other medicines interact with Metaxalone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Metaxalone with, for example, Alfentanil, Belladonna and opium, Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen. The full list is on the Metaxalone page.
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