Drug interactions
Baclofen + Pholcodine
Severity: Moderate
Baclofen and Pholcodine: 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
Pholcodine is an opioid antitussive with mild sedative activity, and baclofen may add to drowsiness and dizziness. Clinically significant respiratory depression is unlikely at usual antitussive doses but possible with higher doses.
What this interaction means in plain words
Baclofen and Pholcodine 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 CNS depression from opioid receptor agonism and GABA-B agonism.
What to do
Use the lowest effective pholcodine dose and monitor for excessive drowsiness. Advise patients to avoid alcohol and driving if sedated.
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 Baclofen
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Baclofen with Pholcodine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Baclofen and Pholcodine 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. Pholcodine is an opioid antitussive with mild sedative activity, and baclofen may add to drowsiness and dizziness. Clinically significant respiratory depression is unlikely at usual antitussive doses but possible with higher doses.
How serious is the interaction between Baclofen and Pholcodine?
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 pholcodine dose and monitor for excessive drowsiness. Advise patients to avoid alcohol and driving if sedated.
What other medicines interact with Baclofen?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Baclofen with, for example, Alfentanil, Amobarbital, Belladonna and opium. The full list is on the Baclofen page.
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