Drug interactions
Cyproheptadine + Orphenadrine
Severity: Moderate
Cyproheptadine and Orphenadrine: 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
Both drugs have sedative and anticholinergic properties, so combined use can increase drowsiness, confusion and psychomotor impairment. Anticholinergic effects such as dry mouth, urinary retention and constipation may also be additive, especially in older adults.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cyproheptadine and Orphenadrine 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.
Why it happens
Additive central nervous system depression and antimuscarinic effects.
What to do
Monitor for excessive sedation and anticholinergic toxicity, and advise patients to avoid driving. Consider lower doses or an alternative in elderly patients.
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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Cyproheptadine with Orphenadrine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Cyproheptadine and Orphenadrine 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. Both drugs have sedative and anticholinergic properties, so combined use can increase drowsiness, confusion and psychomotor impairment. Anticholinergic effects such as dry mouth, urinary retention and constipation may also be additive, especially in older adults.
How serious is the interaction between Cyproheptadine and Orphenadrine?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor for excessive sedation and anticholinergic toxicity, and advise patients to avoid driving. Consider lower doses or an alternative in elderly patients.
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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