Drug interactions
Azelastine + Codeine
Severity: Moderate
Azelastine 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
Codeine is an opioid that causes sedation and respiratory depression. Adding a sedating antihistamine like azelastine may intensify drowsiness and impair psychomotor performance.
What this interaction means in plain words
Azelastine 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.
Azelastine belongs to Respiratory; Codeine belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depressant effects of the opioid and the sedating antihistamine.
What to do
Use the lowest effective codeine dose and monitor for excessive sedation or slowed breathing. Advise the patient to avoid alcohol and hazardous activities.
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 Codeine
- Alvimopan + Codeine Contraindicated
- Codeine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Codeine + Olanzapine / samidorphan Contraindicated
- Codeine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Codeine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Codeine Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Azelastine with Codeine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Azelastine 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. Codeine is an opioid that causes sedation and respiratory depression. Adding a sedating antihistamine like azelastine may intensify drowsiness and impair psychomotor performance.
How serious is the interaction between Azelastine 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: Use the lowest effective codeine dose and monitor for excessive sedation or slowed breathing. Advise the patient to avoid alcohol and hazardous activities.
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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