Drug interactions
Codeine + Cyproheptadine
Severity: Moderate
Codeine and Cyproheptadine: 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
Cyproheptadine can add to the sedative effects of opioids. Together with codeine this may increase drowsiness and, at higher doses, respiratory depression.
What this interaction means in plain words
Codeine and Cyproheptadine 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.
Codeine belongs to Musculoskeletal; Cyproheptadine belongs to Respiratory.
Why it happens
Additive CNS and respiratory depression from opioid agonism and H1 antagonism.
What to do
Use the lowest effective codeine dose and monitor sedation and respiratory rate, particularly in older or frail patients. Avoid alcohol.
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 Cyproheptadine
- Cyproheptadine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Cyproheptadine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Cyproheptadine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Cyproheptadine Major
- Belladonna and opium + Cyproheptadine Major
- Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen + Cyproheptadine Major
Other interactions of Codeine
- Alvimopan + Codeine Contraindicated
- Codeine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Codeine + Olanzapine / samidorphan Contraindicated
- Codeine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Codeine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Codeine Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Codeine with Cyproheptadine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Codeine and Cyproheptadine 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. Cyproheptadine can add to the sedative effects of opioids. Together with codeine this may increase drowsiness and, at higher doses, respiratory depression.
How serious is the interaction between Codeine and Cyproheptadine?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Use the lowest effective codeine dose and monitor sedation and respiratory rate, particularly in older or frail patients. Avoid alcohol.
What other medicines interact with Cyproheptadine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Cyproheptadine with, for example, Isocarboxazid, Phenelzine, Tranylcypromine. The full list is on the Cyproheptadine page.
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