Drug interactions
Amiodarone + Codeine
Severity: Moderate
Amiodarone and Codeine: 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
Amiodarone inhibits CYP2D6 and can reduce conversion of codeine to morphine, weakening analgesia. Parent codeine levels may be higher.
What this interaction means in plain words
Amiodarone and Codeine 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.
Amiodarone belongs to Cardiovascular; Codeine belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
CYP2D6 inhibition by amiodarone decreases formation of active morphine from codeine.
What to do
Monitor pain relief and choose an alternative analgesic if codeine is ineffective. Watch for opioid adverse effects.
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 Codeine
- Alvimopan + Codeine Contraindicated
- Codeine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Codeine + Olanzapine / samidorphan Contraindicated
- Codeine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Codeine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Codeine Major
Other interactions of Amiodarone
- Amiodarone + Amisulpride Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Arsenic trioxide Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Dofetilide Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Dronedarone Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Droperidol Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Eliglustat Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Amiodarone with Codeine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Amiodarone and Codeine 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. Amiodarone inhibits CYP2D6 and can reduce conversion of codeine to morphine, weakening analgesia. Parent codeine levels may be higher.
How serious is the interaction between Amiodarone and Codeine?
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 pain relief and choose an alternative analgesic if codeine is ineffective. Watch for opioid adverse effects.
What other medicines interact with Codeine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Codeine with, for example, Alvimopan, Isocarboxazid, Olanzapine / samidorphan. The full list is on the Codeine page.
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