Drug interactions
Fluphenazine + Opium tincture
Severity: Major
Fluphenazine and Opium tincture: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: Health Canada product monograph
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
Opium tincture contains morphine, and combining it with a phenothiazine increases sedation, hypotension and the risk of respiratory depression. Patients may become profoundly drowsy, especially after dose increases.
What this interaction means in plain words
Fluphenazine and Opium tincture can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Why it happens
Additive central nervous system and respiratory depression.
What to do
Use reduced starting doses and titrate slowly. Monitor sedation and respiratory rate, and avoid other CNS depressants including alcohol.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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References
Other interactions of Fluphenazine
- Arsenic trioxide + Fluphenazine Contraindicated
- Dofetilide + Fluphenazine Contraindicated
- Fluphenazine + Ibutilide Contraindicated
- Fluphenazine + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Adagrasib + Fluphenazine Major
- Alfentanil + Fluphenazine Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Fluphenazine with Opium tincture?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Fluphenazine and Opium tincture can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Opium tincture contains morphine, and combining it with a phenothiazine increases sedation, hypotension and the risk of respiratory depression. Patients may become profoundly drowsy, especially after dose increases.
How serious is the interaction between Fluphenazine and Opium tincture?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Use reduced starting doses and titrate slowly. Monitor sedation and respiratory rate, and avoid other CNS depressants including alcohol.
What other medicines interact with Fluphenazine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Fluphenazine with, for example, Arsenic trioxide, Dofetilide, Ibutilide. The full list is on the Fluphenazine page.
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