Drug interactions
Azelastine + Opium tincture
Severity: Moderate
Azelastine and Opium tincture: 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
Azelastine, particularly when it is absorbed systemically after nasal use, can cause drowsiness. Combined with an opioid such as opium tincture, sedation and impairment of alertness and psychomotor performance may be increased.
What this interaction means in plain words
Azelastine and Opium tincture 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.
Why it happens
Additive central nervous system depression from the sedating antihistamine and the opioid.
What to do
Warn the patient about drowsiness and avoid driving or operating machinery until the response is known. Use the lowest effective opioid dose and 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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Azelastine with Opium tincture?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Azelastine and Opium tincture 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, particularly when it is absorbed systemically after nasal use, can cause drowsiness. Combined with an opioid such as opium tincture, sedation and impairment of alertness and psychomotor performance may be increased.
How serious is the interaction between Azelastine and Opium tincture?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Warn the patient about drowsiness and avoid driving or operating machinery until the response is known. Use the lowest effective opioid dose and 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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