Drug interactions
Cocaine + Meperidine
Severity: Moderate
Cocaine and Meperidine: 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
Cocaine inhibits reuptake of serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine, and meperidine also has serotonergic activity. Combined use may increase the risk of serotonin toxicity, although topical medical use gives low systemic exposure.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cocaine and Meperidine 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.
Cocaine belongs to Central Nervous System; Meperidine belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive serotonergic activity through inhibition of monoamine reuptake.
What to do
With topical cocaine at standard doses, no routine change is needed beyond awareness. Monitor for agitation, tremor, hyperthermia and tachycardia, and avoid the combination with systemic or illicit cocaine use.
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 Meperidine
- Alvimopan + Meperidine Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Meperidine Contraindicated
- Meperidine + Methylene blue Contraindicated
- Meperidine + Olanzapine / samidorphan Contraindicated
- Meperidine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Meperidine + Procarbazine Contraindicated
Other interactions of Cocaine
- Cocaine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Cocaine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Cocaine + Procarbazine Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Cocaine Major
- Bisoprolol + Cocaine Major
- Citalopram + Cocaine Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Cocaine with Meperidine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Cocaine and Meperidine 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. Cocaine inhibits reuptake of serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine, and meperidine also has serotonergic activity. Combined use may increase the risk of serotonin toxicity, although topical medical use gives low systemic exposure.
How serious is the interaction between Cocaine and Meperidine?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: With topical cocaine at standard doses, no routine change is needed beyond awareness. Monitor for agitation, tremor, hyperthermia and tachycardia, and avoid the combination with systemic or illicit cocaine use.
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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