Drug interactions
Ephedrine + Morphine
Severity: Minor
Ephedrine and Morphine: 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
Ephedrine is a sympathomimetic stimulant, whereas morphine is a sedative, so effects partly oppose each other. Ephedrine is also used to treat morphine-related hypotension, and the combination is generally manageable.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ephedrine and Morphine have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Ephedrine belongs to Cardiovascular; Morphine belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Opposing pharmacodynamic effects: sympathomimetic stimulation versus opioid CNS depression and vasodilation.
What to do
Monitor blood pressure, heart rate and respiratory status. Do not rely on ephedrine to counter opioid respiratory depression.
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 Morphine
- Alvimopan + Morphine Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Morphine Contraindicated
- Morphine + Olanzapine / samidorphan Contraindicated
- Morphine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Morphine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Morphine Major
Other interactions of Ephedrine
- Ephedrine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Ephedrine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Ephedrine + Procarbazine Contraindicated
- Ephedrine + Rasagiline Contraindicated
- Ephedrine + Selegiline Contraindicated
- Ephedrine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ephedrine with Morphine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Ephedrine and Morphine have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Ephedrine is a sympathomimetic stimulant, whereas morphine is a sedative, so effects partly oppose each other. Ephedrine is also used to treat morphine-related hypotension, and the combination is generally manageable.
How serious is the interaction between Ephedrine and Morphine?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor blood pressure, heart rate and respiratory status. Do not rely on ephedrine to counter opioid respiratory depression.
What other medicines interact with Morphine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Morphine with, for example, Alvimopan, Isocarboxazid, Olanzapine / samidorphan. The full list is on the Morphine page.
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