Drug interactions
Diphenoxylate-atropine + Pholcodine
Severity: Moderate
Diphenoxylate-atropine and Pholcodine: 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
Pholcodine is an opioid antitussive and diphenoxylate is an opioid antidiarrheal. Combined use can add to drowsiness and respiratory depression, particularly at higher doses or in children and the elderly.
What this interaction means in plain words
Diphenoxylate-atropine and Pholcodine 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 opioid receptor mediated CNS depression.
What to do
Use the lowest effective doses for the shortest time and monitor for excessive sedation or slowed breathing. Advise patients to avoid alcohol and other sedatives.
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 Pholcodine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Diphenoxylate-atropine and Pholcodine 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. Pholcodine is an opioid antitussive and diphenoxylate is an opioid antidiarrheal. Combined use can add to drowsiness and respiratory depression, particularly at higher doses or in children and the elderly.
How serious is the interaction between Diphenoxylate-atropine and Pholcodine?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Use the lowest effective doses for the shortest time and monitor for excessive sedation or slowed breathing. Advise patients to avoid alcohol and other sedatives.
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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