Drug interactions
Cyclobenzaprine + Meperidine
Severity: Major
Cyclobenzaprine and Meperidine: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
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
Cyclobenzaprine is structurally related to tricyclic antidepressants and has serotonergic activity, and meperidine also has serotonergic properties. The combination may lead to serotonin syndrome and adds sedation and anticholinergic effects.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cyclobenzaprine and Meperidine 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.
Cyclobenzaprine belongs to Musculoskeletal; Meperidine belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive serotonergic effects and additive CNS depression.
What to do
Prefer a non-serotonergic opioid with cyclobenzaprine. If combined, use lowest effective doses and monitor for serotonin toxicity and sedation.
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 Meperidine
- Alvimopan + Meperidine Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Meperidine Contraindicated
- Meperidine + Methylene blue Contraindicated
- Meperidine + Olanzapine / samidorphan Contraindicated
- Meperidine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Meperidine + Procarbazine Contraindicated
Other interactions of Cyclobenzaprine
- Cyclobenzaprine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Cyclobenzaprine + Linezolid Contraindicated
- Cyclobenzaprine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Cyclobenzaprine + Safinamide Contraindicated
- Cyclobenzaprine + Selegiline Contraindicated
- Cyclobenzaprine + Selegiline transdermal Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Cyclobenzaprine with Meperidine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Cyclobenzaprine and Meperidine 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. Cyclobenzaprine is structurally related to tricyclic antidepressants and has serotonergic activity, and meperidine also has serotonergic properties. The combination may lead to serotonin syndrome and adds sedation and anticholinergic effects.
How serious is the interaction between Cyclobenzaprine and Meperidine?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Prefer a non-serotonergic opioid with cyclobenzaprine. If combined, use lowest effective doses and monitor for serotonin toxicity and sedation.
What other medicines interact with Meperidine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Meperidine with, for example, Alvimopan, Isocarboxazid, Methylene blue. The full list is on the Meperidine page.
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