Drug interactions
Cyproheptadine + Meperidine
Severity: Moderate
Cyproheptadine and Meperidine: 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 can deepen sedation and add to respiratory depression. Meperidine also has anticholinergic properties and a toxic metabolite, which adds to the risk in vulnerable patients.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cyproheptadine and Meperidine 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; Meperidine belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive CNS and respiratory depression from H1 antagonism and opioid receptor agonism.
What to do
Use the lowest effective opioid dose and monitor sedation and respiratory rate, especially in elderly or opioid-naive patients. Counsel against alcohol and driving.
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 Meperidine
- Alvimopan + Meperidine Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Meperidine Contraindicated
- Meperidine + Methylene blue Contraindicated
- Meperidine + Olanzapine / samidorphan Contraindicated
- Meperidine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Meperidine + Procarbazine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Cyproheptadine with Meperidine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Cyproheptadine and Meperidine 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 can deepen sedation and add to respiratory depression. Meperidine also has anticholinergic properties and a toxic metabolite, which adds to the risk in vulnerable patients.
How serious is the interaction between Cyproheptadine and Meperidine?
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 opioid dose and monitor sedation and respiratory rate, especially in elderly or opioid-naive patients. Counsel against alcohol and driving.
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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