Drug interactions
Diphenoxylate-atropine + Oxycodone
Severity: Major
Diphenoxylate-atropine and Oxycodone: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
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
Both drugs are opioids, so combining them increases sedation and the risk of respiratory depression. Constipation and reduced gut motility are also additive, and the atropine component adds further anticholinergic burden.
What this interaction means in plain words
Diphenoxylate-atropine and Oxycodone can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Diphenoxylate-atropine belongs to Gastrointestinal Tract; Oxycodone belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive opioid-mediated CNS and respiratory depression and additive reduction in gastrointestinal motility.
What to do
Avoid routine co-use where possible, and if required use the lowest effective doses with monitoring of sedation and respiratory rate. Watch for constipation or ileus.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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References
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 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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Diphenoxylate-atropine with Oxycodone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Diphenoxylate-atropine and Oxycodone can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Both drugs are opioids, so combining them increases sedation and the risk of respiratory depression. Constipation and reduced gut motility are also additive, and the atropine component adds further anticholinergic burden.
How serious is the interaction between Diphenoxylate-atropine and Oxycodone?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid routine co-use where possible, and if required use the lowest effective doses with monitoring of sedation and respiratory rate. Watch for constipation or ileus.
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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