Drug interactions
Doxylamine + Papaverine
Severity: Minor
Doxylamine and Papaverine: minor 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
Doxylamine is a strongly sedating antihistamine and papaverine may add mild drowsiness or dizziness. The combination may reduce alertness and psychomotor performance, especially in older adults.
What this interaction means in plain words
Doxylamine and Papaverine have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Doxylamine belongs to Respiratory; Papaverine belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Additive central nervous system depression, predominantly from doxylamine.
What to do
Counsel the patient to avoid driving and other hazardous tasks if drowsy. Use the lowest effective doxylamine dose, and avoid it in frail older patients where possible.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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Other interactions of Papaverine
- Givinostat + Papaverine Major
- Bretylium + Papaverine Moderate
- Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Papaverine Moderate
- Carbidopa-entacapone-levodopa + Papaverine Moderate
- Carbidopa-levodopa + Papaverine Moderate
- Carbidopa + Papaverine Moderate
Other interactions of Doxylamine
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Doxylamine with Papaverine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Doxylamine and Papaverine have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Doxylamine is a strongly sedating antihistamine and papaverine may add mild drowsiness or dizziness. The combination may reduce alertness and psychomotor performance, especially in older adults.
How serious is the interaction between Doxylamine and Papaverine?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Counsel the patient to avoid driving and other hazardous tasks if drowsy. Use the lowest effective doxylamine dose, and avoid it in frail older patients where possible.
What other medicines interact with Papaverine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Papaverine with, for example, Givinostat, Bretylium, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates. The full list is on the Papaverine page.
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