Drug interactions
Diphenoxylate + Metaxalone
Severity: Moderate
Diphenoxylate and Metaxalone: 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-related antidiarrheal that can cause sedation, and metaxalone adds to this effect. The combination may increase drowsiness and reduce alertness, with greater risk in children, elderly patients or after overdose.
What this interaction means in plain words
Diphenoxylate and Metaxalone 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; Metaxalone belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depression between an opioid-like agent and a sedating muscle relaxant.
What to do
Keep to recommended diphenoxylate doses and monitor for excessive sedation. Counsel patients to avoid 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 Metaxalone
Other interactions of Diphenoxylate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Diphenoxylate with Metaxalone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Diphenoxylate and Metaxalone 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-related antidiarrheal that can cause sedation, and metaxalone adds to this effect. The combination may increase drowsiness and reduce alertness, with greater risk in children, elderly patients or after overdose.
How serious is the interaction between Diphenoxylate and Metaxalone?
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 to recommended diphenoxylate doses and monitor for excessive sedation. Counsel patients to avoid driving and alcohol.
What other medicines interact with Metaxalone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Metaxalone with, for example, Alfentanil, Belladonna and opium, Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen. The full list is on the Metaxalone page.
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