Drug interactions
Diphenoxylate-atropine + Tranylcypromine
Severity: Contraindicated
Diphenoxylate-atropine and Tranylcypromine: 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 labeled as potentially causing hypertensive crisis when given with MAO inhibitors. Tranylcypromine is a nonselective irreversible MAOI, so the risk of severe hypertension and agitation is substantial.
What this interaction means in plain words
Diphenoxylate-atropine and Tranylcypromine 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; Tranylcypromine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Irreversible MAO inhibition may potentiate the pressor and CNS effects of the opioid; the exact mechanism is not fully defined.
What to do
Do not co-administer, and do not start diphenoxylate-atropine within 14 days of stopping tranylcypromine. Use a different antidiarrheal such as loperamide.
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 + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Diphenoxylate-atropine Major
- Alvimopan + Diphenoxylate-atropine Major
- Amitriptyline + Diphenoxylate-atropine Major
- Amobarbital + Diphenoxylate-atropine Major
Other interactions of Tranylcypromine
- 5-HTP + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Amoxapine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Atomoxetine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Benzphetamine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Brimonidine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Diphenoxylate-atropine with Tranylcypromine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as contraindicated. Diphenoxylate-atropine and Tranylcypromine 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 labeled as potentially causing hypertensive crisis when given with MAO inhibitors. Tranylcypromine is a nonselective irreversible MAOI, so the risk of severe hypertension and agitation is substantial.
How serious is the interaction between Diphenoxylate-atropine and Tranylcypromine?
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 co-administer, and do not start diphenoxylate-atropine within 14 days of stopping tranylcypromine. Use a different antidiarrheal such as loperamide.
What other medicines interact with Diphenoxylate-atropine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Diphenoxylate-atropine with, for example, Isocarboxazid, Phenelzine, Alfentanil. The full list is on the Diphenoxylate-atropine page.
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