Drug interactions
Cyproheptadine + Hydromorphone
Severity: Moderate
Cyproheptadine and Hydromorphone: 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
Combining a sedating antihistamine with an opioid increases drowsiness and may add to respiratory depression. Anticholinergic effects can also worsen opioid-induced constipation and urinary retention.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cyproheptadine and Hydromorphone 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.
Cyproheptadine belongs to Respiratory; Hydromorphone belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive CNS and respiratory depression, with additive antimuscarinic effects.
What to do
Use the lowest effective doses and monitor sedation and respiratory rate. Warn patients to avoid alcohol and driving, and watch for constipation and urinary retention.
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 Cyproheptadine
- Cyproheptadine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Cyproheptadine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Cyproheptadine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Cyproheptadine Major
- Belladonna and opium + Cyproheptadine Major
- Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen + Cyproheptadine Major
Other interactions of Hydromorphone
- Alvimopan + Hydromorphone Contraindicated
- Bupropion-naltrexone + Hydromorphone Contraindicated
- Hydromorphone + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Hydromorphone + Olanzapine / samidorphan Contraindicated
- Hydromorphone + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Hydromorphone + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Cyproheptadine with Hydromorphone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Cyproheptadine and Hydromorphone 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. Combining a sedating antihistamine with an opioid increases drowsiness and may add to respiratory depression. Anticholinergic effects can also worsen opioid-induced constipation and urinary retention.
How serious is the interaction between Cyproheptadine and Hydromorphone?
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. Warn patients to avoid alcohol and driving, and watch for constipation and urinary retention.
What other medicines interact with Cyproheptadine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Cyproheptadine with, for example, Isocarboxazid, Phenelzine, Tranylcypromine. The full list is on the Cyproheptadine page.
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