Drug interactions
Diphenoxylate + Lorazepam
Severity: Moderate
Diphenoxylate and Lorazepam: 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 and can cause CNS depression, particularly with overdose or in children. Together with lorazepam, sedation and respiratory depression may be additive.
What this interaction means in plain words
Diphenoxylate and Lorazepam 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; Lorazepam belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depression via opioid receptor agonism and GABA-A potentiation.
What to do
Keep diphenoxylate at labeled doses and monitor for drowsiness and reduced respiratory effort; warn the patient against driving and alcohol.
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 Lorazepam
Other interactions of Diphenoxylate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Diphenoxylate with Lorazepam?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Diphenoxylate and Lorazepam 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 and can cause CNS depression, particularly with overdose or in children. Together with lorazepam, sedation and respiratory depression may be additive.
How serious is the interaction between Diphenoxylate and Lorazepam?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Keep diphenoxylate at labeled doses and monitor for drowsiness and reduced respiratory effort; warn the patient against driving and alcohol.
What other medicines interact with Lorazepam?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Lorazepam with, for example, Alfentanil, Alprazolam, Amobarbital. The full list is on the Lorazepam page.
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