Drug interactions
Doxepin + Meclizine
Severity: Moderate
Doxepin and Meclizine: 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 anticholinergic and sedative properties, so combining them can cause dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention, blurred vision, confusion and marked drowsiness. Older adults are especially susceptible.
What this interaction means in plain words
Doxepin and Meclizine 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.
Doxepin belongs to Dermatology; Meclizine belongs to Respiratory.
Why it happens
Additive muscarinic receptor blockade and H1-antihistamine sedation.
What to do
Monitor for anticholinergic toxicity and sedation, especially in older patients or those with glaucoma, prostatic hypertrophy or cognitive impairment. Use lower doses or an alternative if effects emerge.
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 Meclizine
Other interactions of Doxepin
- Doxepin + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Doxepin + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Doxepin + Procarbazine Contraindicated
- Doxepin + Safinamide Contraindicated
- Doxepin + Selegiline Contraindicated
- Doxepin + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Doxepin with Meclizine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Doxepin and Meclizine 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 anticholinergic and sedative properties, so combining them can cause dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention, blurred vision, confusion and marked drowsiness. Older adults are especially susceptible.
How serious is the interaction between Doxepin and Meclizine?
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 anticholinergic toxicity and sedation, especially in older patients or those with glaucoma, prostatic hypertrophy or cognitive impairment. Use lower doses or an alternative if effects emerge.
What other medicines interact with Meclizine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Meclizine with, for example, Belladonna and opium, Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen, Brexanolone. The full list is on the Meclizine page.
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