Drug interactions
Diphenoxylate-atropine + Papaverine
Severity: Minor
Diphenoxylate-atropine and Papaverine: minor 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
Papaverine can cause mild sedation and drowsiness, which may add to the opioid effect of diphenoxylate. The combination is generally well tolerated and the clinical effect is modest.
What this interaction means in plain words
Diphenoxylate-atropine and Papaverine have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Diphenoxylate-atropine belongs to Gastrointestinal Tract; Papaverine belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Possible additive CNS depressant effects; the mechanism is not well established.
What to do
No routine adjustment is needed. Advise patients to watch for excessive drowsiness.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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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 Papaverine
- Givinostat + Papaverine Major
- Bretylium + Papaverine Moderate
- Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Papaverine Moderate
- Carbidopa-entacapone-levodopa + Papaverine Moderate
- Carbidopa-levodopa + Papaverine Moderate
- Carbidopa + Papaverine Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Diphenoxylate-atropine with Papaverine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Diphenoxylate-atropine and Papaverine have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Papaverine can cause mild sedation and drowsiness, which may add to the opioid effect of diphenoxylate. The combination is generally well tolerated and the clinical effect is modest.
How serious is the interaction between Diphenoxylate-atropine and Papaverine?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: No routine adjustment is needed. Advise patients to watch for excessive drowsiness.
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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