Drug interactions
Chlorpromazine + Meperidine
Severity: Major
Chlorpromazine and Meperidine: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
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
Chlorpromazine is strongly sedating and hypotensive and enhances opioid sedation and respiratory depression. Hypotension and confusion may also be more pronounced. Meperidine's anticholinergic and neurotoxic metabolite effects may add to the burden in vulnerable patients.
What this interaction means in plain words
Chlorpromazine and Meperidine 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.
Chlorpromazine belongs to Central Nervous System; Meperidine belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depression, alpha-adrenergic hypotension, and anticholinergic effects.
What to do
Use reduced starting doses of both drugs and monitor sedation, blood pressure, and respiratory rate. Consider a different opioid if prolonged use is needed.
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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References
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 Chlorpromazine
- Chlorpromazine + Dofetilide Contraindicated
- Chlorpromazine + Dronedarone Contraindicated
- Chlorpromazine + Droperidol Contraindicated
- Chlorpromazine + Ibutilide Contraindicated
- Chlorpromazine + Metrizamide Contraindicated
- Chlorpromazine + Panobinostat Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Chlorpromazine with Meperidine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Chlorpromazine and Meperidine 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. Chlorpromazine is strongly sedating and hypotensive and enhances opioid sedation and respiratory depression. Hypotension and confusion may also be more pronounced. Meperidine's anticholinergic and neurotoxic metabolite effects may add to the burden in vulnerable patients.
How serious is the interaction between Chlorpromazine and Meperidine?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Use reduced starting doses of both drugs and monitor sedation, blood pressure, and respiratory rate. Consider a different opioid if prolonged use is needed.
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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