Drug interactions
Azelastine + Buprenorphine
Severity: Moderate
Azelastine and Buprenorphine: 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
Buprenorphine is an opioid that causes sedation and respiratory depression, and sedating antihistamines may add to this. The combination can increase drowsiness and, at higher doses, impair breathing.
What this interaction means in plain words
Azelastine and Buprenorphine 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.
Azelastine belongs to Respiratory; Buprenorphine belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive CNS and respiratory depression from opioid mu-receptor agonism and H1-antagonist sedation.
What to do
Monitor for excessive sedation and slowed breathing, particularly at initiation or dose increases. Avoid alcohol and other sedatives.
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 Azelastine
Other interactions of Buprenorphine
- Alvimopan + Buprenorphine Contraindicated
- Buprenorphine + Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates Contraindicated
- Buprenorphine + Olanzapine / samidorphan Contraindicated
- Buprenorphine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Buprenorphine + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Buprenorphine + Thioridazine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Azelastine with Buprenorphine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Azelastine and Buprenorphine 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. Buprenorphine is an opioid that causes sedation and respiratory depression, and sedating antihistamines may add to this. The combination can increase drowsiness and, at higher doses, impair breathing.
How serious is the interaction between Azelastine and Buprenorphine?
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 for excessive sedation and slowed breathing, particularly at initiation or dose increases. Avoid alcohol and other sedatives.
What other medicines interact with Azelastine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Azelastine with, for example, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Methadone, Sodium oxybate. The full list is on the Azelastine page.
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