Drug interactions
Diphenoxylate + Metoclopramide
Severity: Moderate
Diphenoxylate and Metoclopramide: 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 slows gut transit, which directly opposes the prokinetic effect of metoclopramide. Both agents can also cause drowsiness.
What this interaction means in plain words
Diphenoxylate and Metoclopramide 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; Metoclopramide belongs to Gastrointestinal Tract.
Why it happens
Opioid-mediated inhibition of gastrointestinal motility antagonizes metoclopramide, with additive CNS depression.
What to do
Avoid combining them for opposing motility goals, and if both are needed, monitor for sedation and reduced efficacy.
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 Metoclopramide
Other interactions of Diphenoxylate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Diphenoxylate with Metoclopramide?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Diphenoxylate and Metoclopramide 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 slows gut transit, which directly opposes the prokinetic effect of metoclopramide. Both agents can also cause drowsiness.
How serious is the interaction between Diphenoxylate and Metoclopramide?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid combining them for opposing motility goals, and if both are needed, monitor for sedation and reduced efficacy.
What other medicines interact with Metoclopramide?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Metoclopramide with, for example, Amantadine, Amoxapine, Antipsychotics (e.g., haloperidol). The full list is on the Metoclopramide page.
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