Drug interactions
Belladonna and opium + Meclizine
Severity: Major
Belladonna and opium and Meclizine: major 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
This combination contains an opioid and antimuscarinic belladonna alkaloids, and meclizine adds sedative and anticholinergic effects. Together they may cause marked drowsiness, respiratory depression, constipation and urinary retention.
What this interaction means in plain words
Belladonna and opium and Meclizine can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Why it happens
Additive CNS and respiratory depression from the opioid plus additive antimuscarinic effects.
What to do
Use the lowest effective doses and monitor sedation, respiration and bowel and bladder function. Avoid in patients with other CNS depressants or respiratory compromise.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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Other interactions of Meclizine
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Belladonna and opium with Meclizine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Belladonna and opium and Meclizine can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. This combination contains an opioid and antimuscarinic belladonna alkaloids, and meclizine adds sedative and anticholinergic effects. Together they may cause marked drowsiness, respiratory depression, constipation and urinary retention.
How serious is the interaction between Belladonna and opium and Meclizine?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Use the lowest effective doses and monitor sedation, respiration and bowel and bladder function. Avoid in patients with other CNS depressants or respiratory compromise.
What other medicines interact with Meclizine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Meclizine with, for example, Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen, Brexanolone, Buprenorphine long-acting. The full list is on the Meclizine page.
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