Drug interactions
Diphenoxylate + Meperidine
Severity: Moderate
Diphenoxylate and Meperidine: 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 a meperidine-related opioid and can add to CNS and respiratory depression at higher doses. Sedation is the main concern, along with constipation and possible ileus.
What this interaction means in plain words
Diphenoxylate and Meperidine 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; Meperidine belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive opioid-mediated CNS depression.
What to do
Use the lowest effective doses and monitor sedation and bowel function. Avoid exceeding recommended diphenoxylate 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 Meperidine
- Alvimopan + Meperidine Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Meperidine Contraindicated
- Meperidine + Methylene blue Contraindicated
- Meperidine + Olanzapine / samidorphan Contraindicated
- Meperidine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Meperidine + Procarbazine Contraindicated
Other interactions of Diphenoxylate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Diphenoxylate with Meperidine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Diphenoxylate and Meperidine 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 a meperidine-related opioid and can add to CNS and respiratory depression at higher doses. Sedation is the main concern, along with constipation and possible ileus.
How serious is the interaction between Diphenoxylate and Meperidine?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Use the lowest effective doses and monitor sedation and bowel function. Avoid exceeding recommended diphenoxylate doses.
What other medicines interact with Meperidine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Meperidine with, for example, Alvimopan, Isocarboxazid, Methylene blue. The full list is on the Meperidine page.
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