Drug interactions
Diphenoxylate-atropine + Phenelzine
Severity: Contraindicated
Diphenoxylate-atropine and Phenelzine: contraindicated 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
Diphenoxylate is structurally similar to meperidine, and combining with MAO inhibitors may provoke hypertensive crisis, hyperpyrexia, hypotension or CNS depression. Labeling warns against concurrent use. Reactions could be severe or fatal.
What this interaction means in plain words
Diphenoxylate-atropine and Phenelzine are not normally used together. Taking them at the same time is expected to cause harm or make one of them unsafe, so a different medicine is usually chosen for one of the two.
Diphenoxylate-atropine belongs to Gastrointestinal Tract; Phenelzine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
MAO inhibition may potentiate diphenoxylate through a meperidine-like interaction; the exact mechanism is not fully established.
What to do
Do not combine, and allow 14 days after stopping phenelzine before using diphenoxylate-atropine. Choose a non-opioid antidiarrheal alternative.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there an alternative to one of these two medicines for me?
- If both are essential, who is monitoring me and how often?
- Which symptoms mean I should stop and seek help straight away?
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Other interactions of Diphenoxylate-atropine
- Diphenoxylate-atropine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Diphenoxylate-atropine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Diphenoxylate-atropine Major
- Alvimopan + Diphenoxylate-atropine Major
- Amitriptyline + Diphenoxylate-atropine Major
- Amobarbital + Diphenoxylate-atropine Major
Other interactions of Phenelzine
- 5-HTP + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Amoxapine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Atomoxetine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Benzphetamine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Brimonidine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Diphenoxylate-atropine with Phenelzine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as contraindicated. Diphenoxylate-atropine and Phenelzine are not normally used together. Taking them at the same time is expected to cause harm or make one of them unsafe, so a different medicine is usually chosen for one of the two. Diphenoxylate is structurally similar to meperidine, and combining with MAO inhibitors may provoke hypertensive crisis, hyperpyrexia, hypotension or CNS depression. Labeling warns against concurrent use. Reactions could be severe or fatal.
How serious is the interaction between Diphenoxylate-atropine and Phenelzine?
MediHelp rates it contraindicated, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Do not combine, and allow 14 days after stopping phenelzine before using diphenoxylate-atropine. Choose a non-opioid antidiarrheal alternative.
What other medicines interact with Diphenoxylate-atropine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Diphenoxylate-atropine with, for example, Isocarboxazid, Tranylcypromine, Alfentanil. The full list is on the Diphenoxylate-atropine page.
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