Drug interactions
Loperamide + Metoclopramide
Severity: Moderate
Loperamide and Metoclopramide: 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
Loperamide slows intestinal motility through opioid receptor activity and opposes the prokinetic effect of metoclopramide. The two drugs have opposite effects on gut transit, so the effect of one or both may be reduced.
What this interaction means in plain words
Loperamide and Metoclopramide 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.
Loperamide belongs to Gastrointestinal Tract; Metoclopramide belongs to Gastrointestinal Tract.
Why it happens
Pharmacodynamic antagonism: mu-opioid mediated reduction in GI motility versus dopamine antagonist/5-HT4 prokinetic action.
What to do
Avoid concurrent use when the goal is to improve motility. Monitor for loss of effect of either drug.
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 Metoclopramide
Other interactions of Loperamide
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Loperamide with Metoclopramide?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Loperamide and Metoclopramide 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. Loperamide slows intestinal motility through opioid receptor activity and opposes the prokinetic effect of metoclopramide. The two drugs have opposite effects on gut transit, so the effect of one or both may be reduced.
How serious is the interaction between Loperamide and Metoclopramide?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid concurrent use when the goal is to improve motility. Monitor for loss of effect of either drug.
What other medicines interact with Metoclopramide?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Metoclopramide with, for example, Amantadine, Amoxapine, Antipsychotics (e.g., haloperidol). The full list is on the Metoclopramide page.
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