Drug interactions
Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Cyproheptadine
Severity: Major
Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates and Cyproheptadine: 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
Oxybate products are potent CNS depressants, and cyproheptadine is a sedating antihistamine. Combined use can cause profound sedation, respiratory depression and coma.
What this interaction means in plain words
Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates and Cyproheptadine 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 and respiratory depression from oxybate GABA-B activity and H1 antagonism.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible, using a non-sedating antihistamine if one is needed. If both are required, use the lowest doses 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 Cyproheptadine
- Cyproheptadine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Cyproheptadine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Cyproheptadine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Cyproheptadine Major
- Belladonna and opium + Cyproheptadine Major
- Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen + Cyproheptadine Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates with Cyproheptadine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates and Cyproheptadine 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. Oxybate products are potent CNS depressants, and cyproheptadine is a sedating antihistamine. Combined use can cause profound sedation, respiratory depression and coma.
How serious is the interaction between Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates and Cyproheptadine?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid the combination where possible, using a non-sedating antihistamine if one is needed. If both are required, use the lowest doses and monitor for sedation and respiratory depression.
What other medicines interact with Cyproheptadine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Cyproheptadine with, for example, Isocarboxazid, Phenelzine, Tranylcypromine. The full list is on the Cyproheptadine page.
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