Drug interactions
Diphenoxylate-atropine + Papaveretum
Severity: Moderate
Diphenoxylate-atropine and Papaveretum: 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
Papaveretum contains opium alkaloids including morphine, and diphenoxylate is itself an opioid. Together they can deepen sedation and respiratory depression and worsen constipation. The risk is greater at higher doses or in frail patients.
What this interaction means in plain words
Diphenoxylate-atropine and Papaveretum 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.
Why it happens
Additive mu-opioid receptor mediated CNS and respiratory depression.
What to do
Avoid routine co-prescription; if both are needed use the lowest effective doses and monitor sedation level and respiratory rate. Counsel patients to avoid alcohol and driving.
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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Diphenoxylate-atropine with Papaveretum?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Diphenoxylate-atropine and Papaveretum 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. Papaveretum contains opium alkaloids including morphine, and diphenoxylate is itself an opioid. Together they can deepen sedation and respiratory depression and worsen constipation. The risk is greater at higher doses or in frail patients.
How serious is the interaction between Diphenoxylate-atropine and Papaveretum?
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 routine co-prescription; if both are needed use the lowest effective doses and monitor sedation level and respiratory rate. Counsel patients to avoid alcohol and driving.
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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