Drug interactions
Diphenoxylate-atropine + Isocarboxazid
Severity: Contraindicated
Diphenoxylate-atropine and Isocarboxazid: contraindicated 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 structurally related to meperidine, and MAO inhibitors can cause severe reactions with such opioids. Hypertensive crisis, hyperpyrexia, hypotension, somnolence or death may occur. Labeling advises against use of diphenoxylate with MAO inhibitors.
What this interaction means in plain words
Diphenoxylate-atropine and Isocarboxazid are not normally used together. Taking them at the same time is expected to cause harm or make one of them unsafe, so a different medicine is usually chosen for one of the two.
Diphenoxylate-atropine belongs to Gastrointestinal Tract; Isocarboxazid belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
MAO inhibition may potentiate diphenoxylate through a meperidine-like interaction; the exact mechanism is not fully established.
What to do
Do not use together or within 14 days of stopping the MAO inhibitor. Use a non-opioid antidiarrheal alternative.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there an alternative to one of these two medicines for me?
- If both are essential, who is monitoring me and how often?
- Which symptoms mean I should stop and seek help straight away?
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Other interactions of Diphenoxylate-atropine
- Diphenoxylate-atropine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Diphenoxylate-atropine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Diphenoxylate-atropine Major
- Alvimopan + Diphenoxylate-atropine Major
- Amitriptyline + Diphenoxylate-atropine Major
- Amobarbital + Diphenoxylate-atropine Major
Other interactions of Isocarboxazid
- 5-HTP + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Amobarbital + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Amoxapine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Apraclonidine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Atomoxetine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Diphenoxylate-atropine with Isocarboxazid?
MediHelp rates the interaction as contraindicated. Diphenoxylate-atropine and Isocarboxazid are not normally used together. Taking them at the same time is expected to cause harm or make one of them unsafe, so a different medicine is usually chosen for one of the two. Diphenoxylate is structurally related to meperidine, and MAO inhibitors can cause severe reactions with such opioids. Hypertensive crisis, hyperpyrexia, hypotension, somnolence or death may occur. Labeling advises against use of diphenoxylate with MAO inhibitors.
How serious is the interaction between Diphenoxylate-atropine and Isocarboxazid?
MediHelp rates it contraindicated, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Do not use together or within 14 days of stopping the MAO inhibitor. Use a non-opioid antidiarrheal alternative.
What other medicines interact with Diphenoxylate-atropine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Diphenoxylate-atropine with, for example, Phenelzine, Tranylcypromine, Alfentanil. The full list is on the Diphenoxylate-atropine page.
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