Drug interactions
Caffeine + Pholcodine
Severity: Minor
Caffeine and Pholcodine: 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 may slightly counter the drowsiness from pholcodine, an opioid antitussive. The effect is minor at usual antitussive doses.
What this interaction means in plain words
Caffeine and Pholcodine have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Why it happens
Pharmacodynamic opposition of sedation through adenosine receptor blockade.
What to do
No action is needed beyond awareness of the combination.
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 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 Pholcodine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Caffeine and Pholcodine 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 may slightly counter the drowsiness from pholcodine, an opioid antitussive. The effect is minor at usual antitussive doses.
How serious is the interaction between Caffeine and Pholcodine?
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 action is needed beyond awareness of the combination.
What other medicines interact with Caffeine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Caffeine with, for example, Ephedrine, Fezolinetant, Methylenedioxymethamphetamine. The full list is on the Caffeine page.
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