Drug interactions
Azelastine + Meperidine
Severity: Moderate
Azelastine and Meperidine: 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
Sedating antihistamines can add to opioid-induced drowsiness and respiratory depression. Meperidine also has a neurotoxic metabolite, so excess CNS effects may be more problematic.
What this interaction means in plain words
Azelastine and Meperidine 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; Meperidine belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive CNS and respiratory depression from H1-antagonist sedation and opioid receptor agonism.
What to do
Monitor sedation and respiratory rate, using the lowest effective meperidine dose. Avoid alcohol and other CNS depressants.
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 Meperidine
- Alvimopan + Meperidine Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Meperidine Contraindicated
- Meperidine + Methylene blue Contraindicated
- Meperidine + Olanzapine / samidorphan Contraindicated
- Meperidine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Meperidine + Procarbazine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Azelastine with Meperidine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Azelastine and Meperidine 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. Sedating antihistamines can add to opioid-induced drowsiness and respiratory depression. Meperidine also has a neurotoxic metabolite, so excess CNS effects may be more problematic.
How serious is the interaction between Azelastine and Meperidine?
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 sedation and respiratory rate, using the lowest effective meperidine dose. Avoid alcohol and other CNS depressants.
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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