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Drug interactions

Chlorzoxazone + Pholcodine

Severity: Moderate

Chlorzoxazone and Pholcodine: 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

Pholcodine is an opioid antitussive with sedative potential, and chlorzoxazone adds drowsiness. The combination may increase sedation and impair alertness.

What this interaction means in plain words

Chlorzoxazone and Pholcodine 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.

Evidence level: Low

Why it happens

Additive central nervous system depression.

What to do

Counsel patients on drowsiness and avoiding driving. Use the lowest effective doses.

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?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Chlorzoxazone with Pholcodine?

MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Chlorzoxazone and Pholcodine 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. Pholcodine is an opioid antitussive with sedative potential, and chlorzoxazone adds drowsiness. The combination may increase sedation and impair alertness.

How serious is the interaction between Chlorzoxazone and Pholcodine?

MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Counsel patients on drowsiness and avoiding driving. Use the lowest effective doses.

What other medicines interact with Chlorzoxazone?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Chlorzoxazone with, for example, Alfentanil, Alprazolam, Amobarbital. The full list is on the Chlorzoxazone page.

Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app

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