Drug interactions
Clopidogrel + Morphine
Severity: Moderate
Clopidogrel and Morphine: 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
Morphine delays and reduces absorption of oral antiplatelet drugs, and exposure to clopidogrel's active metabolite falls. This may lessen early platelet inhibition in acute coronary syndrome.
What this interaction means in plain words
Clopidogrel and Morphine 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.
Clopidogrel belongs to Cardiovascular; Morphine belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Opioid-induced slowing of gastric emptying and gut motility delays clopidogrel absorption and formation of its active metabolite.
What to do
In acute coronary syndrome, minimize opioid use and consider a parenteral antiplatelet agent such as cangrelor if opioids are needed. Consider an antiemetic or non-opioid analgesia where feasible.
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 Morphine
- Alvimopan + Morphine Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Morphine Contraindicated
- Morphine + Olanzapine / samidorphan Contraindicated
- Morphine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Morphine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Morphine Major
Other interactions of Clopidogrel
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Clopidogrel with Morphine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Clopidogrel and Morphine 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. Morphine delays and reduces absorption of oral antiplatelet drugs, and exposure to clopidogrel's active metabolite falls. This may lessen early platelet inhibition in acute coronary syndrome.
How serious is the interaction between Clopidogrel and Morphine?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: In acute coronary syndrome, minimize opioid use and consider a parenteral antiplatelet agent such as cangrelor if opioids are needed. Consider an antiemetic or non-opioid analgesia where feasible.
What other medicines interact with Morphine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Morphine with, for example, Alvimopan, Isocarboxazid, Olanzapine / samidorphan. The full list is on the Morphine page.
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