Drug interactions
Buprenorphine + Chlorpheniramine
Severity: Moderate
Buprenorphine and Chlorpheniramine: 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
Chlorpheniramine is a sedating antihistamine and can add to the drowsiness and psychomotor impairment caused by buprenorphine. Respiratory depression is possible but is less likely than with benzodiazepines.
What this interaction means in plain words
Buprenorphine and Chlorpheniramine 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.
Buprenorphine belongs to Musculoskeletal; Chlorpheniramine belongs to Respiratory.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depression from opioid receptor agonism and central H1 receptor antagonism.
What to do
Monitor for excessive sedation and impaired alertness, and advise against driving. Consider a non-sedating antihistamine if one is needed.
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 Buprenorphine
- Alvimopan + Buprenorphine Contraindicated
- Buprenorphine + Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates Contraindicated
- Buprenorphine + Olanzapine / samidorphan Contraindicated
- Buprenorphine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Buprenorphine + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Buprenorphine + Thioridazine Contraindicated
Other interactions of Chlorpheniramine
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Buprenorphine with Chlorpheniramine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Buprenorphine and Chlorpheniramine 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. Chlorpheniramine is a sedating antihistamine and can add to the drowsiness and psychomotor impairment caused by buprenorphine. Respiratory depression is possible but is less likely than with benzodiazepines.
How serious is the interaction between Buprenorphine and Chlorpheniramine?
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 impaired alertness, and advise against driving. Consider a non-sedating antihistamine if one is needed.
What other medicines interact with Buprenorphine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Buprenorphine with, for example, Alvimopan, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Olanzapine / samidorphan. The full list is on the Buprenorphine page.
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