Drug interactions
Cyproheptadine + Pholcodine
Severity: Moderate
Cyproheptadine and Pholcodine: 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
Pholcodine is an opioid antitussive with sedative potential, and combining it with a sedating antihistamine can increase drowsiness and impair alertness. Respiratory depression is unlikely at usual doses but possible with higher doses or other depressants.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cyproheptadine and Pholcodine 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 CNS depression from opioid and antihistamine activity.
What to do
Use usual antitussive doses and advise against driving or alcohol. Monitor children and older adults for oversedation.
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 Pholcodine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Cyproheptadine and Pholcodine 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. Pholcodine is an opioid antitussive with sedative potential, and combining it with a sedating antihistamine can increase drowsiness and impair alertness. Respiratory depression is unlikely at usual doses but possible with higher doses or other depressants.
How serious is the interaction between Cyproheptadine and Pholcodine?
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 usual antitussive doses and advise against driving or alcohol. Monitor children and older adults for oversedation.
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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