Drug interactions
Diphenoxylate + Ketamine
Severity: Moderate
Diphenoxylate and Ketamine: 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 can cause drowsiness and, in overdose, respiratory depression. Ketamine can add to the sedative effect.
What this interaction means in plain words
Diphenoxylate and Ketamine 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; Ketamine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depression via opioid agonism and NMDA antagonism.
What to do
Monitor sedation and respiratory status, especially in children and the elderly. Avoid exceeding labeled 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 Ketamine
Other interactions of Diphenoxylate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Diphenoxylate with Ketamine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Diphenoxylate and Ketamine 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 can cause drowsiness and, in overdose, respiratory depression. Ketamine can add to the sedative effect.
How serious is the interaction between Diphenoxylate and Ketamine?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor sedation and respiratory status, especially in children and the elderly. Avoid exceeding labeled doses.
What other medicines interact with Ketamine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Ketamine with, for example, Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen, Brexanolone, Buprenorphine buccal. The full list is on the Ketamine page.
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