Drug interactions
Buprenorphine long-acting + Chlorpheniramine
Severity: Major
Buprenorphine long-acting and Chlorpheniramine: 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
Chlorpheniramine adds sedation to buprenorphine, increasing the risk of drowsiness and respiratory depression. The long-acting injection depot cannot be quickly removed.
What this interaction means in plain words
Buprenorphine long-acting and Chlorpheniramine 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 depression from an opioid and a sedating antihistamine.
What to do
Prefer a non-sedating antihistamine. If combined, limit dose and duration of chlorpheniramine and monitor for sedation and respiratory depression.
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 Chlorpheniramine
- Belladonna and opium + Chlorpheniramine Major
- Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen + Chlorpheniramine Major
- Brexanolone + Chlorpheniramine Major
- Buprenorphine subdermal implant + Chlorpheniramine Major
- Buprenorphine transdermal + Chlorpheniramine Major
- Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Chlorpheniramine Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Buprenorphine long-acting with Chlorpheniramine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Buprenorphine long-acting and Chlorpheniramine 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. Chlorpheniramine adds sedation to buprenorphine, increasing the risk of drowsiness and respiratory depression. The long-acting injection depot cannot be quickly removed.
How serious is the interaction between Buprenorphine long-acting and Chlorpheniramine?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Prefer a non-sedating antihistamine. If combined, limit dose and duration of chlorpheniramine and monitor for sedation and respiratory depression.
What other medicines interact with Chlorpheniramine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Chlorpheniramine with, for example, Belladonna and opium, Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen, Brexanolone. The full list is on the Chlorpheniramine page.
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