Drug interactions
Diphenoxylate-atropine + Lofexidine
Severity: Moderate
Diphenoxylate-atropine and Lofexidine: 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
Lofexidine is a centrally acting alpha-2 agonist that causes sedation and hypotension, and diphenoxylate is an opioid. Together they may increase drowsiness and CNS depression.
What this interaction means in plain words
Diphenoxylate-atropine and Lofexidine 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-atropine belongs to Gastrointestinal Tract; Lofexidine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depressant effects of an alpha-2 agonist and an opioid.
What to do
Monitor sedation, blood pressure and heart rate, and counsel patients 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 Diphenoxylate-atropine
- Diphenoxylate-atropine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Diphenoxylate-atropine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Diphenoxylate-atropine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Diphenoxylate-atropine Major
- Alvimopan + Diphenoxylate-atropine Major
- Amitriptyline + Diphenoxylate-atropine Major
Other interactions of Lofexidine
- Adagrasib + Lofexidine Major
- Alfuzosin + Lofexidine Major
- Amiodarone + Lofexidine Major
- Amisulpride + Lofexidine Major
- Anagrelide + Lofexidine Major
- Apomorphine + Lofexidine Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Diphenoxylate-atropine with Lofexidine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Diphenoxylate-atropine and Lofexidine 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. Lofexidine is a centrally acting alpha-2 agonist that causes sedation and hypotension, and diphenoxylate is an opioid. Together they may increase drowsiness and CNS depression.
How serious is the interaction between Diphenoxylate-atropine and Lofexidine?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor sedation, blood pressure and heart rate, and counsel patients to avoid driving until the response is known.
What other medicines interact with Diphenoxylate-atropine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Diphenoxylate-atropine with, for example, Isocarboxazid, Phenelzine, Tranylcypromine. The full list is on the Diphenoxylate-atropine page.
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