Drug interactions
Digoxin + Diphenoxylate-atropine
Severity: Moderate
Digoxin 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
Slowed gastrointestinal transit from the antidiarrheal can increase digoxin absorption, particularly for slowly dissolving tablets, and may raise serum digoxin. Diarrhea itself can also cause electrolyte loss that increases digoxin toxicity risk.
What this interaction means in plain words
Digoxin 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.
Digoxin belongs to Cardiovascular; Diphenoxylate-atropine belongs to Gastrointestinal Tract.
Why it happens
Reduced gut motility prolongs digoxin dissolution and absorption; the evidence for a direct effect is limited.
What to do
Check serum digoxin and potassium when starting the combination and adjust the digoxin dose if levels rise. Watch for signs of digoxin toxicity such as nausea, visual changes and arrhythmias.
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 Digoxin
- Digoxin + Lily of the valley Contraindicated
- Digoxin + Squill Contraindicated
- Adagrasib + Digoxin Major
- Amiodarone + Digoxin Major
- Amlodipine-hydrochlorothiazide-valsartan + Digoxin Major
- Amphotericin b deoxycholate + Digoxin Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Digoxin with Diphenoxylate-atropine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Digoxin 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. Slowed gastrointestinal transit from the antidiarrheal can increase digoxin absorption, particularly for slowly dissolving tablets, and may raise serum digoxin. Diarrhea itself can also cause electrolyte loss that increases digoxin toxicity risk.
How serious is the interaction between Digoxin 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: Check serum digoxin and potassium when starting the combination and adjust the digoxin dose if levels rise. Watch for signs of digoxin toxicity such as nausea, visual changes and arrhythmias.
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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