Drug interactions
Difenoxin + Methadone
Severity: Moderate
Difenoxin and Methadone: 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 is an opioid antidiarrheal and the active metabolite of diphenoxylate. With methadone it may add to central nervous system and respiratory depression, and constipation may also be worsened.
What this interaction means in plain words
Difenoxin and Methadone 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; Methadone belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive opioid receptor agonism causing central nervous system depression.
What to do
Use the lowest effective doses and monitor for sedation and respiratory depression. Avoid exceeding recommended antidiarrheal doses.
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 Methadone
- Alvimopan + Methadone Contraindicated
- Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Methadone Contraindicated
- Droperidol + Methadone Contraindicated
- Ibutilide + Methadone Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Methadone Contraindicated
- Lefamulin + Methadone Contraindicated
Other interactions of Difenoxin
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Difenoxin with Methadone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Difenoxin and Methadone 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 is an opioid antidiarrheal and the active metabolite of diphenoxylate. With methadone it may add to central nervous system and respiratory depression, and constipation may also be worsened.
How serious is the interaction between Difenoxin and Methadone?
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 sedation and respiratory depression. Avoid exceeding recommended antidiarrheal doses.
What other medicines interact with Methadone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Methadone with, for example, Alvimopan, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Droperidol. The full list is on the Methadone page.
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