Drug interactions
Cimetidine + Paroxetine
Severity: Minor
Cimetidine and Paroxetine: 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
Cimetidine has been reported to raise paroxetine plasma concentrations. This may increase serotonergic and anticholinergic adverse effects such as nausea, sedation and dry mouth.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cimetidine and Paroxetine have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Cimetidine belongs to Gastrointestinal Tract; Paroxetine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Cimetidine inhibits hepatic CYP2D6 and reduces first-pass metabolism of paroxetine.
What to do
Monitor for paroxetine adverse effects and adjust the dose if needed; consider famotidine as an alternative.
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 Cimetidine
- Cimetidine + Dofetilide Contraindicated
- Cimetidine + Fezolinetant Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Cimetidine Major
- Atazanavir + Cimetidine Major
- Carmustine + Cimetidine Major
- Cimetidine + Citalopram Major
Other interactions of Paroxetine
- Isocarboxazid + Paroxetine Contraindicated
- Methylene blue + Paroxetine Contraindicated
- Paroxetine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Paroxetine + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Paroxetine + Procarbazine Contraindicated
- Paroxetine + Selegiline Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Cimetidine with Paroxetine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Cimetidine and Paroxetine have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Cimetidine has been reported to raise paroxetine plasma concentrations. This may increase serotonergic and anticholinergic adverse effects such as nausea, sedation and dry mouth.
How serious is the interaction between Cimetidine and Paroxetine?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor for paroxetine adverse effects and adjust the dose if needed; consider famotidine as an alternative.
What other medicines interact with Cimetidine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Cimetidine with, for example, Dofetilide, Fezolinetant, Alfentanil. The full list is on the Cimetidine page.
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