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Drug interactions

Buprenorphine + Dimenhydrinate

Severity: Moderate

Buprenorphine and Dimenhydrinate: 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

Dimenhydrinate contains diphenhydramine, a sedating antihistamine, which can add to buprenorphine-related drowsiness and impaired psychomotor function.

What this interaction means in plain words

Buprenorphine and Dimenhydrinate 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; Dimenhydrinate belongs to Respiratory.

Evidence level: Moderate

Why it happens

Additive CNS depression from opioid agonism and central H1 antagonism.

What to do

Monitor for oversedation and confusion, especially in older adults, and advise against driving. Consider a non-sedating alternative.

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 Buprenorphine with Dimenhydrinate?

MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Buprenorphine and Dimenhydrinate 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. Dimenhydrinate contains diphenhydramine, a sedating antihistamine, which can add to buprenorphine-related drowsiness and impaired psychomotor function.

How serious is the interaction between Buprenorphine and Dimenhydrinate?

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 oversedation and confusion, especially in older adults, and advise against driving. Consider a non-sedating alternative.

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.

Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app

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