Drug interactions
Butorphanol + Caffeine
Severity: Minor
Butorphanol and Caffeine: minor 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
Caffeine is a stimulant and may reduce opioid drowsiness, while butorphanol can cause sedation. The net effect is unpredictable and caffeine does not prevent respiratory depression.
What this interaction means in plain words
Butorphanol and Caffeine have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Butorphanol belongs to Musculoskeletal; Caffeine belongs to Miscellaneous.
Why it happens
Opposing pharmacodynamic effects on arousal via adenosine receptor antagonism versus opioid receptor agonism.
What to do
No specific adjustment is needed; monitor sedation and analgesia and do not use caffeine to counter opioid toxicity.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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Other interactions of Butorphanol
- Butorphanol + Olanzapine / samidorphan Contraindicated
- Butorphanol + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Butorphanol Major
- Alprazolam + Butorphanol Major
- Alvimopan + Butorphanol Major
- Amobarbital + Butorphanol Major
Other interactions of Caffeine
- Caffeine + Ephedrine Major
- Caffeine + Fezolinetant Major
- Caffeine + Methylenedioxymethamphetamine Major
- Caffeine + Selegiline transdermal Major
- Adenosine + Caffeine Moderate
- Benzphetamine + Caffeine Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Butorphanol with Caffeine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Butorphanol and Caffeine have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Caffeine is a stimulant and may reduce opioid drowsiness, while butorphanol can cause sedation. The net effect is unpredictable and caffeine does not prevent respiratory depression.
How serious is the interaction between Butorphanol and Caffeine?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: No specific adjustment is needed; monitor sedation and analgesia and do not use caffeine to counter opioid toxicity.
What other medicines interact with Butorphanol?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Butorphanol with, for example, Olanzapine / samidorphan, Sodium oxybate, Alfentanil. The full list is on the Butorphanol page.
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