Drug interactions
Codeine + Orphenadrin
Severity: Moderate
Codeine and Orphenadrin: 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 is an opioid and orphenadrine adds sedative and anticholinergic effects. The combination can cause excessive sedation and respiratory depression, and anticholinergic effects may add to opioid-related constipation and urinary retention.
What this interaction means in plain words
Codeine and Orphenadrin 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; Orphenadrin belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive central nervous system and respiratory depression, with additive reduction of gut motility.
What to do
Use the lowest effective doses and monitor sedation and respiratory rate. Counsel the patient about driving and avoiding 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 Orphenadrin
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 Orphenadrin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Codeine and Orphenadrin 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 is an opioid and orphenadrine adds sedative and anticholinergic effects. The combination can cause excessive sedation and respiratory depression, and anticholinergic effects may add to opioid-related constipation and urinary retention.
How serious is the interaction between Codeine and Orphenadrin?
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 doses and monitor sedation and respiratory rate. Counsel the patient about driving and avoiding alcohol.
What other medicines interact with Orphenadrin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Orphenadrin with, for example, Alfentanil, Amobarbital, Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen. The full list is on the Orphenadrin page.
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