Drug interactions
Butorphanol + Ephedrine
Severity: Minor
Butorphanol and Ephedrine: 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
Ephedrine is a sympathomimetic with mild CNS stimulant effects, whereas butorphanol is sedating. The opposing effects may blunt drowsiness, but the combination can also affect heart rate and blood pressure, and the net effect is not predictable.
What this interaction means in plain words
Butorphanol and Ephedrine 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; Ephedrine belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Opposing pharmacodynamic effects on CNS arousal; no established pharmacokinetic interaction.
What to do
Monitor blood pressure, heart rate and sedation level; do not assume stimulation offsets respiratory depression.
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 Ephedrine
- Ephedrine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Ephedrine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Ephedrine + Procarbazine Contraindicated
- Ephedrine + Rasagiline Contraindicated
- Ephedrine + Selegiline Contraindicated
- Ephedrine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Butorphanol with Ephedrine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Butorphanol and Ephedrine have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Ephedrine is a sympathomimetic with mild CNS stimulant effects, whereas butorphanol is sedating. The opposing effects may blunt drowsiness, but the combination can also affect heart rate and blood pressure, and the net effect is not predictable.
How serious is the interaction between Butorphanol and Ephedrine?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor blood pressure, heart rate and sedation level; do not assume stimulation offsets respiratory depression.
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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