Drug interactions
Chlorpheniramine + Protriptyline
Severity: Moderate
Chlorpheniramine and Protriptyline: moderate 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
Protriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant with anticholinergic effects, and chlorpheniramine is also anticholinergic and sedating. Combined use can cause dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention, confusion and drowsiness.
What this interaction means in plain words
Chlorpheniramine and Protriptyline can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Why it happens
Additive antimuscarinic and CNS depressant effects.
What to do
Monitor for anticholinergic effects and sedation, especially in elderly patients or those with glaucoma or prostatic hypertrophy. Prefer a non-sedating antihistamine.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Chlorpheniramine
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Chlorpheniramine with Protriptyline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Chlorpheniramine and Protriptyline can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Protriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant with anticholinergic effects, and chlorpheniramine is also anticholinergic and sedating. Combined use can cause dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention, confusion and drowsiness.
How serious is the interaction between Chlorpheniramine and Protriptyline?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor for anticholinergic effects and sedation, especially in elderly patients or those with glaucoma or prostatic hypertrophy. Prefer a non-sedating antihistamine.
What other medicines interact with Chlorpheniramine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Chlorpheniramine with, for example, Belladonna and opium, Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen, Brexanolone. The full list is on the Chlorpheniramine page.
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