Drug interactions
Diphenoxylate + Propofol
Severity: Moderate
Diphenoxylate and Propofol: 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 with CNS-depressant activity at higher doses, and it may add to the sedative and respiratory depressant effects of propofol. The effect is greater with overdose or in children and frail patients.
What this interaction means in plain words
Diphenoxylate and Propofol 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; Propofol belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive CNS and respiratory depression from mu-opioid agonism and GABA-A potentiation.
What to do
Titrate propofol to effect with reduced doses and monitor oxygen saturation and respiratory rate. Be prepared to support ventilation.
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 Propofol
Other interactions of Diphenoxylate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Diphenoxylate with Propofol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Diphenoxylate and Propofol 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 with CNS-depressant activity at higher doses, and it may add to the sedative and respiratory depressant effects of propofol. The effect is greater with overdose or in children and frail patients.
How serious is the interaction between Diphenoxylate and Propofol?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Titrate propofol to effect with reduced doses and monitor oxygen saturation and respiratory rate. Be prepared to support ventilation.
What other medicines interact with Propofol?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Propofol with, for example, Alfentanil, Alprazolam, Amobarbital. The full list is on the Propofol page.
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