Drug interactions
Diphenhydramine + Gabapentin enacarbil
Severity: Moderate
Diphenhydramine and Gabapentin enacarbil: 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 depress the central nervous system. Concurrent use may increase sedation, dizziness and cognitive impairment, and gabapentinoids have been associated with respiratory depression alongside other CNS depressants, especially in older or compromised patients.
What this interaction means in plain words
Diphenhydramine and Gabapentin enacarbil 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.
Diphenhydramine belongs to Respiratory; Gabapentin enacarbil belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive CNS and respiratory depression (pharmacodynamic synergism).
What to do
Use the lowest effective doses and monitor for sedation and respiratory depression. Take particular care in elderly patients and those with lung disease or renal impairment.
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 Diphenhydramine
Other interactions of Gabapentin enacarbil
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Diphenhydramine with Gabapentin enacarbil?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Diphenhydramine and Gabapentin enacarbil 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 depress the central nervous system. Concurrent use may increase sedation, dizziness and cognitive impairment, and gabapentinoids have been associated with respiratory depression alongside other CNS depressants, especially in older or compromised patients.
How serious is the interaction between Diphenhydramine and Gabapentin enacarbil?
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 for sedation and respiratory depression. Take particular care in elderly patients and those with lung disease or renal impairment.
What other medicines interact with Diphenhydramine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Diphenhydramine with, for example, Alfentanil, Belladonna and opium, Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen. The full list is on the Diphenhydramine page.
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