Drug interactions
Codeine + Metoclopramide
Severity: Moderate
Codeine and Metoclopramide: 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
Codeine causes sedation and slows gastrointestinal motility, which opposes the prokinetic action of metoclopramide. Combined use may increase drowsiness and reduce metoclopramide's benefit.
What this interaction means in plain words
Codeine and Metoclopramide 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; Metoclopramide belongs to Gastrointestinal Tract.
Why it happens
Additive central nervous system depression and pharmacodynamic antagonism of gastrointestinal motility by opioid mu-receptor activity.
What to do
Monitor sedation and respiratory status, and expect reduced prokinetic effect. Use the lowest effective opioid dose.
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 Metoclopramide
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 Metoclopramide?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Codeine and Metoclopramide 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 causes sedation and slows gastrointestinal motility, which opposes the prokinetic action of metoclopramide. Combined use may increase drowsiness and reduce metoclopramide's benefit.
How serious is the interaction between Codeine and Metoclopramide?
MediHelp rates it moderate, 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, and expect reduced prokinetic effect. Use the lowest effective opioid dose.
What other medicines interact with Metoclopramide?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Metoclopramide with, for example, Amantadine, Amoxapine, Antipsychotics (e.g., haloperidol). The full list is on the Metoclopramide page.
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