Drug interactions
Caffeine + Meperidine
Severity: Minor
Caffeine and Meperidine: 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 CNS stimulant and may partly counter the drowsiness caused by meperidine, but it does not reverse opioid respiratory depression. High caffeine intake may also worsen anxiety or tremor and could theoretically add to seizure risk with meperidine's neurotoxic metabolite.
What this interaction means in plain words
Caffeine and Meperidine 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 belongs to Miscellaneous; Meperidine belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Opposing CNS effects through adenosine receptor antagonism versus opioid receptor agonism.
What to do
No routine adjustment is needed. Do not use caffeine to counter opioid sedation, and monitor respiratory status in sedated patients.
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 Meperidine
- Alvimopan + Meperidine Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Meperidine Contraindicated
- Meperidine + Methylene blue Contraindicated
- Meperidine + Olanzapine / samidorphan Contraindicated
- Meperidine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Meperidine + Procarbazine Contraindicated
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 Caffeine with Meperidine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Caffeine and Meperidine 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 CNS stimulant and may partly counter the drowsiness caused by meperidine, but it does not reverse opioid respiratory depression. High caffeine intake may also worsen anxiety or tremor and could theoretically add to seizure risk with meperidine's neurotoxic metabolite.
How serious is the interaction between Caffeine and Meperidine?
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 routine adjustment is needed. Do not use caffeine to counter opioid sedation, and monitor respiratory status in sedated patients.
What other medicines interact with Meperidine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Meperidine with, for example, Alvimopan, Isocarboxazid, Methylene blue. The full list is on the Meperidine page.
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