Drug interactions
Buprenorphine + Clemastine
Severity: Moderate
Buprenorphine and Clemastine: 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
Clemastine is a first-generation sedating antihistamine that can intensify the sedative effects of buprenorphine. Psychomotor impairment and drowsiness may be pronounced, especially in older adults.
What this interaction means in plain words
Buprenorphine and Clemastine 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; Clemastine belongs to Respiratory.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depression from opioid receptor agonism and central H1 antagonism.
What to do
Monitor for excess sedation and confusion, particularly in older patients. Prefer a non-sedating antihistamine when feasible.
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 Clemastine
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Buprenorphine with Clemastine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Buprenorphine and Clemastine 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. Clemastine is a first-generation sedating antihistamine that can intensify the sedative effects of buprenorphine. Psychomotor impairment and drowsiness may be pronounced, especially in older adults.
How serious is the interaction between Buprenorphine and Clemastine?
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 excess sedation and confusion, particularly in older patients. Prefer a non-sedating antihistamine when feasible.
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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