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Drug interactions

Brimonidine + Levorphanol

Severity: Moderate

Brimonidine and Levorphanol: 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

Levorphanol is an opioid that causes sedation and respiratory depression. Brimonidine, an alpha-2 agonist with some systemic absorption, can add to drowsiness and central depression. The effect is mostly relevant with ophthalmic use in susceptible patients.

What this interaction means in plain words

Brimonidine and Levorphanol 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.

Evidence level: Low

Why it happens

Additive central nervous system depression from opioid receptor agonism and central alpha-2 adrenergic agonism.

What to do

Monitor for excessive sedation and reduced respiratory rate, especially at opioid initiation or dose increases. Counsel patients to avoid driving or hazardous tasks until response is known.

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?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Brimonidine with Levorphanol?

MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Brimonidine and Levorphanol 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. Levorphanol is an opioid that causes sedation and respiratory depression. Brimonidine, an alpha-2 agonist with some systemic absorption, can add to drowsiness and central depression. The effect is mostly relevant with ophthalmic use in susceptible patients.

How serious is the interaction between Brimonidine and Levorphanol?

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 for excessive sedation and reduced respiratory rate, especially at opioid initiation or dose increases. Counsel patients to avoid driving or hazardous tasks until response is known.

What other medicines interact with Brimonidine?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Brimonidine with, for example, Isocarboxazid, Linezolid, Phenelzine. The full list is on the Brimonidine page.

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