Drug interactions
Diphenoxylate-atropine + Temazepam
Severity: Major
Diphenoxylate-atropine and Temazepam: major 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
Temazepam is a benzodiazepine hypnotic, and combining it with an opioid such as diphenoxylate raises the risk of profound sedation, respiratory depression and coma.
What this interaction means in plain words
Diphenoxylate-atropine and Temazepam can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Diphenoxylate-atropine belongs to Gastrointestinal Tract; Temazepam belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive CNS and respiratory depression via GABA-A potentiation and opioid receptor agonism.
What to do
Avoid combining where possible; if both are needed, use the lowest doses for the shortest duration and monitor sedation and breathing. Advise against alcohol.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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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 Temazepam
- Alprazolam + Temazepam Major
- Amobarbital + Temazepam Major
- Buprenorphine + Temazepam Major
- Butorphanol + Temazepam Major
- Carisoprodol + Temazepam Major
- Chloral hydrate + Temazepam Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Diphenoxylate-atropine with Temazepam?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Diphenoxylate-atropine and Temazepam can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Temazepam is a benzodiazepine hypnotic, and combining it with an opioid such as diphenoxylate raises the risk of profound sedation, respiratory depression and coma.
How serious is the interaction between Diphenoxylate-atropine and Temazepam?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid combining where possible; if both are needed, use the lowest doses for the shortest duration and monitor sedation and breathing. Advise against alcohol.
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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