Drug interactions
Difenoxin + Phenelzine
Severity: Major
Difenoxin and Phenelzine: major 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-related antidiarrheal and the active metabolite of diphenoxylate. Combined with an MAOI, hypertensive crisis has been described for the related drug diphenoxylate, along with excess CNS depression.
What this interaction means in plain words
Difenoxin and Phenelzine can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Difenoxin belongs to Gastrointestinal Tract; Phenelzine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Possible potentiation of CNS effects and pressor responses; the mechanism is not clearly established.
What to do
Avoid the combination and use a non-opioid antidiarrheal alternative such as an oral rehydration strategy or bulk-forming agent. If used, monitor blood pressure and sedation.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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Other interactions of Phenelzine
- 5-HTP + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Amoxapine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Atomoxetine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Benzphetamine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Brimonidine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
Other interactions of Difenoxin
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Difenoxin with Phenelzine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Difenoxin and Phenelzine can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Difenoxin is an opioid-related antidiarrheal and the active metabolite of diphenoxylate. Combined with an MAOI, hypertensive crisis has been described for the related drug diphenoxylate, along with excess CNS depression.
How serious is the interaction between Difenoxin and Phenelzine?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid the combination and use a non-opioid antidiarrheal alternative such as an oral rehydration strategy or bulk-forming agent. If used, monitor blood pressure and sedation.
What other medicines interact with Phenelzine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Phenelzine with, for example, 5-HTP, Amitriptyline, Amoxapine. The full list is on the Phenelzine page.
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