Drug interactions
Gemfibrozil + Loperamide
Severity: Moderate
Gemfibrozil and Loperamide: 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
Gemfibrozil inhibits CYP2C8 and loperamide is partly metabolised by this enzyme. Combining the two raised loperamide exposure in a pharmacokinetic study. At standard doses the effect is small, but high loperamide doses carry a risk of QT prolongation.
What this interaction means in plain words
Gemfibrozil and Loperamide 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.
Gemfibrozil belongs to Cardiovascular; Loperamide belongs to Gastrointestinal Tract.
Why it happens
Gemfibrozil inhibits CYP2C8, reducing the metabolism of loperamide.
What to do
Keep loperamide at the labelled dose and avoid higher doses. Counsel patients to stop and seek help if palpitations or fainting occur.
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 Loperamide
Other interactions of Gemfibrozil
- Daprodustat + Gemfibrozil Contraindicated
- Elagolix + Gemfibrozil Contraindicated
- Gemfibrozil + Mavacamten Contraindicated
- Gemfibrozil + Metformin-repaglinide Contraindicated
- Gemfibrozil + Ombitasvir / paritaprevir / ritonavir and dasabuvir Contraindicated
- Gemfibrozil + Repaglinide Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Gemfibrozil with Loperamide?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Gemfibrozil and Loperamide 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. Gemfibrozil inhibits CYP2C8 and loperamide is partly metabolised by this enzyme. Combining the two raised loperamide exposure in a pharmacokinetic study. At standard doses the effect is small, but high loperamide doses carry a risk of QT prolongation.
How serious is the interaction between Gemfibrozil and Loperamide?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Keep loperamide at the labelled dose and avoid higher doses. Counsel patients to stop and seek help if palpitations or fainting occur.
What other medicines interact with Loperamide?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Loperamide with, for example, Amiodarone, Amisulpride, Anagrelide. The full list is on the Loperamide page.
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