Drug interactions
Diphenoxylate + Tramadol
Severity: Moderate
Diphenoxylate and Tramadol: 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, and high doses add CNS and respiratory depression to tramadol. Tramadol may also provoke withdrawal or relapse in opioid-dependent patients.
What this interaction means in plain words
Diphenoxylate and Tramadol 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; Tramadol belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive opioid-receptor effects with potential receptor competition.
What to do
Avoid unnecessary co-use; monitor for sedation, respiratory depression and constipation, especially in children and the elderly.
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 Tramadol
- Isocarboxazid + Tramadol Contraindicated
- Olanzapine / samidorphan + Tramadol Contraindicated
- Phenelzine + Tramadol Contraindicated
- Procarbazine + Tramadol Contraindicated
- Rasagiline + Tramadol Contraindicated
- Safinamide + Tramadol Contraindicated
Other interactions of Diphenoxylate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Diphenoxylate with Tramadol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Diphenoxylate and Tramadol 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, and high doses add CNS and respiratory depression to tramadol. Tramadol may also provoke withdrawal or relapse in opioid-dependent patients.
How serious is the interaction between Diphenoxylate and Tramadol?
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 unnecessary co-use; monitor for sedation, respiratory depression and constipation, especially in children and the elderly.
What other medicines interact with Tramadol?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Tramadol with, for example, Isocarboxazid, Olanzapine / samidorphan, Phenelzine. The full list is on the Tramadol page.
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