Drug interactions
Codeine + Nabilone
Severity: Major
Codeine and Nabilone: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: UK SmPC
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 is an opioid that causes sedation and respiratory depression, and nabilone adds central depressant and psychomotor effects. The combination increases the risk of marked drowsiness and breathing problems.
What this interaction means in plain words
Codeine and Nabilone can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Codeine belongs to Musculoskeletal; Nabilone belongs to Gastrointestinal Tract.
Why it happens
Additive central nervous system and respiratory depression through pharmacodynamic synergy.
What to do
Use the lowest effective doses and monitor sedation and respiratory rate, particularly at initiation and dose changes. Advise patients to avoid alcohol and other depressants.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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References
Other interactions of Nabilone
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 Nabilone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Codeine and Nabilone can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Codeine is an opioid that causes sedation and respiratory depression, and nabilone adds central depressant and psychomotor effects. The combination increases the risk of marked drowsiness and breathing problems.
How serious is the interaction between Codeine and Nabilone?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Use the lowest effective doses and monitor sedation and respiratory rate, particularly at initiation and dose changes. Advise patients to avoid alcohol and other depressants.
What other medicines interact with Nabilone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Nabilone with, for example, Alfentanil, Amobarbital, Belladonna and opium. The full list is on the Nabilone page.
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