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Drug interactions

Diphenoxylate-atropine + Oxymorphone

Severity: Major

Diphenoxylate-atropine and Oxymorphone: 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

Oxymorphone is a strong opioid and diphenoxylate is also an opioid, so sedation and respiratory depression are additive. Opioid constipation and ileus risk is also increased, with added anticholinergic effect from atropine.

What this interaction means in plain words

Diphenoxylate-atropine and Oxymorphone 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; Oxymorphone belongs to Musculoskeletal.

Evidence level: Moderate

Why it happens

Additive opioid-mediated CNS and respiratory depression and reduced gastrointestinal motility.

What to do

Avoid combining where possible, and if needed use the lowest effective doses with monitoring of sedation and respiratory rate. Monitor bowel function and stop the antidiarrheal if ileus is suspected.

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?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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References

Frequently asked questions

Can I take Diphenoxylate-atropine with Oxymorphone?

MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Diphenoxylate-atropine and Oxymorphone 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. Oxymorphone is a strong opioid and diphenoxylate is also an opioid, so sedation and respiratory depression are additive. Opioid constipation and ileus risk is also increased, with added anticholinergic effect from atropine.

How serious is the interaction between Diphenoxylate-atropine and Oxymorphone?

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 combining where possible, and if needed use the lowest effective doses with monitoring of sedation and respiratory rate. Monitor bowel function and stop the antidiarrheal if ileus is suspected.

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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