Drug interactions
Diphenoxylate + Hydroxyzine
Severity: Moderate
Diphenoxylate and Hydroxyzine: 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
Diphenoxylate is an opioid antidiarrheal that causes sedation at higher doses and has atropine added in combination products. With hydroxyzine, sedation and anticholinergic effects can be additive.
What this interaction means in plain words
Diphenoxylate and Hydroxyzine 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.
Diphenoxylate belongs to Gastrointestinal Tract; Hydroxyzine belongs to Respiratory.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depression and anticholinergic effects from opioid activity and central H1 antagonism.
What to do
Counsel on drowsiness and avoid driving until response is known. Monitor older adults and children for oversedation and anticholinergic toxicity.
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 Hydroxyzine
- Droperidol + Hydroxyzine Contraindicated
- Hydroxyzine + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Hydroxyzine + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Hydroxyzine + Vandetanib Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Hydroxyzine Major
- Amiodarone + Hydroxyzine Major
Other interactions of Diphenoxylate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Diphenoxylate with Hydroxyzine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Diphenoxylate and Hydroxyzine 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. Diphenoxylate is an opioid antidiarrheal that causes sedation at higher doses and has atropine added in combination products. With hydroxyzine, sedation and anticholinergic effects can be additive.
How serious is the interaction between Diphenoxylate and Hydroxyzine?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Counsel on drowsiness and avoid driving until response is known. Monitor older adults and children for oversedation and anticholinergic toxicity.
What other medicines interact with Hydroxyzine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Hydroxyzine with, for example, Droperidol, Pimozide, Thioridazine. The full list is on the Hydroxyzine page.
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