Drug interactions
Dexchlorpheniramine + Fentanyl
Severity: Moderate
Dexchlorpheniramine and Fentanyl: 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
Dexchlorpheniramine is a sedating antihistamine with anticholinergic activity that adds to fentanyl's CNS depression. The pair may also worsen urinary retention and constipation, with a risk of paralytic ileus.
What this interaction means in plain words
Dexchlorpheniramine and Fentanyl 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.
Dexchlorpheniramine belongs to Respiratory; Fentanyl belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depression and additive anticholinergic effects on top of opioid-reduced gut and bladder motility.
What to do
Monitor for sedation, respiratory depression, urinary retention and constipation, and use the lowest effective doses. Consider a non-sedating antihistamine as an alternative.
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 Fentanyl
- Alvimopan + Fentanyl Contraindicated
- Fentanyl + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Fentanyl + Olanzapine / samidorphan Contraindicated
- Fentanyl + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Fentanyl + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Fentanyl Major
Other interactions of Dexchlorpheniramine
- Alprazolam + Dexchlorpheniramine Moderate
- Amisulpride + Dexchlorpheniramine Moderate
- Amitriptyline + Dexchlorpheniramine Moderate
- Amobarbital + Dexchlorpheniramine Moderate
- Asenapine + Dexchlorpheniramine Moderate
- Azelastine-fluticasone + Dexchlorpheniramine Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Dexchlorpheniramine with Fentanyl?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Dexchlorpheniramine and Fentanyl 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. Dexchlorpheniramine is a sedating antihistamine with anticholinergic activity that adds to fentanyl's CNS depression. The pair may also worsen urinary retention and constipation, with a risk of paralytic ileus.
How serious is the interaction between Dexchlorpheniramine and Fentanyl?
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 sedation, respiratory depression, urinary retention and constipation, and use the lowest effective doses. Consider a non-sedating antihistamine as an alternative.
What other medicines interact with Fentanyl?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Fentanyl with, for example, Alvimopan, Isocarboxazid, Olanzapine / samidorphan. The full list is on the Fentanyl page.
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