Drug interactions
Codeine + Lidocaine
Severity: Minor
Codeine and Lidocaine: 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
Systemic lidocaine can cause drowsiness and CNS effects that may add to opioid sedation. With topical or local use the exposure is generally too small to matter, but intravenous use may be relevant.
What this interaction means in plain words
Codeine and Lidocaine have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Codeine belongs to Musculoskeletal; Lidocaine belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Possible additive CNS depression at systemic lidocaine concentrations.
What to do
Monitor sedation and respiratory status when lidocaine is given systemically with codeine. No action is usually needed for local or topical use.
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 Codeine
- Alvimopan + Codeine Contraindicated
- Codeine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Codeine + Olanzapine / samidorphan Contraindicated
- Codeine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Codeine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Codeine Major
Other interactions of Lidocaine
- Bupivacaine liposome + Lidocaine Major
- Disopyramide + Lidocaine Major
- Ex vivo expanded autologous human corneal epithelial cells containing stem cells + Lidocaine Major
- Lidocaine + Nirmatrelvir / ritonavir Major
- Lidocaine + Ombitasvir / paritaprevir / ritonavir and dasabuvir Major
- Lidocaine + Pimozide Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Codeine with Lidocaine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Codeine and Lidocaine have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Systemic lidocaine can cause drowsiness and CNS effects that may add to opioid sedation. With topical or local use the exposure is generally too small to matter, but intravenous use may be relevant.
How serious is the interaction between Codeine and Lidocaine?
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 sedation and respiratory status when lidocaine is given systemically with codeine. No action is usually needed for local or topical use.
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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