Drug interactions
Diphenoxylate-atropine + Scopolamine
Severity: Moderate
Diphenoxylate-atropine and Scopolamine: 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
Scopolamine is a potent antimuscarinic that adds to the atropine in diphenoxylate-atropine. This increases the risk of dry mouth, blurred vision, urinary retention, constipation, drowsiness and confusion, particularly in older adults.
What this interaction means in plain words
Diphenoxylate-atropine and Scopolamine 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.
Diphenoxylate-atropine belongs to Gastrointestinal Tract; Scopolamine belongs to Respiratory.
Why it happens
Additive muscarinic receptor blockade with additive central anticholinergic effects.
What to do
Monitor for anticholinergic toxicity, especially confusion and urinary retention. Avoid the combination in older patients or those with bowel obstruction or glaucoma.
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
Other interactions of Scopolamine
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Diphenoxylate-atropine with Scopolamine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Diphenoxylate-atropine and Scopolamine 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. Scopolamine is a potent antimuscarinic that adds to the atropine in diphenoxylate-atropine. This increases the risk of dry mouth, blurred vision, urinary retention, constipation, drowsiness and confusion, particularly in older adults.
How serious is the interaction between Diphenoxylate-atropine and Scopolamine?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor for anticholinergic toxicity, especially confusion and urinary retention. Avoid the combination in older patients or those with bowel obstruction or glaucoma.
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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