Drug interactions
Codeine + Dexchlorpheniramine
Severity: Moderate
Codeine and Dexchlorpheniramine: 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
Dexchlorpheniramine is a sedating antihistamine that adds to codeine's CNS depressant effects. Increased drowsiness, impaired alertness and anticholinergic effects such as urinary retention and constipation can occur.
What this interaction means in plain words
Codeine and Dexchlorpheniramine 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; Dexchlorpheniramine belongs to Respiratory.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depression through H1 receptor antagonism and opioid agonism.
What to do
Warn patients about drowsiness and avoid alcohol. Consider a non-sedating antihistamine if appropriate.
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 Codeine
- Alvimopan + Codeine Contraindicated
- Codeine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Codeine + Olanzapine / samidorphan Contraindicated
- Codeine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Codeine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Codeine Major
Other interactions of Dexchlorpheniramine
- Alprazolam + Dexchlorpheniramine Moderate
- Amisulpride + Dexchlorpheniramine Moderate
- Amitriptyline + Dexchlorpheniramine Moderate
- Amobarbital + Dexchlorpheniramine Moderate
- Asenapine + Dexchlorpheniramine Moderate
- Azelastine-fluticasone + Dexchlorpheniramine Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Codeine with Dexchlorpheniramine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Codeine and Dexchlorpheniramine 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. Dexchlorpheniramine is a sedating antihistamine that adds to codeine's CNS depressant effects. Increased drowsiness, impaired alertness and anticholinergic effects such as urinary retention and constipation can occur.
How serious is the interaction between Codeine and Dexchlorpheniramine?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Warn patients about drowsiness and avoid alcohol. Consider a non-sedating antihistamine if appropriate.
What other medicines interact with Codeine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Codeine with, for example, Alvimopan, Isocarboxazid, Olanzapine / samidorphan. The full list is on the Codeine page.
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