Drug interactions
Diphenoxylate + Oxycodone
Severity: Moderate
Diphenoxylate and Oxycodone: 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-type antidiarrheal that can cause central nervous system depression at higher exposures. Combined with oxycodone, sedation and respiratory depression may be greater than with either drug alone.
What this interaction means in plain words
Diphenoxylate and Oxycodone 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; Oxycodone belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive opioid-receptor mediated CNS and respiratory depression.
What to do
Use the lowest effective doses and monitor for excessive drowsiness and slowed breathing. Advise patients not to exceed the recommended diphenoxylate dose and to avoid driving until the response is known.
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 Oxycodone
- Alvimopan + Oxycodone Contraindicated
- Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Oxycodone Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Oxycodone Contraindicated
- Olanzapine / samidorphan + Oxycodone Contraindicated
- Oxycodone + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Oxycodone + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
Other interactions of Diphenoxylate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Diphenoxylate with Oxycodone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Diphenoxylate and Oxycodone 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-type antidiarrheal that can cause central nervous system depression at higher exposures. Combined with oxycodone, sedation and respiratory depression may be greater than with either drug alone.
How serious is the interaction between Diphenoxylate and Oxycodone?
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 for excessive drowsiness and slowed breathing. Advise patients not to exceed the recommended diphenoxylate dose and to avoid driving until the response is known.
What other medicines interact with Oxycodone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Oxycodone with, for example, Alvimopan, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Isocarboxazid. The full list is on the Oxycodone page.
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