Drug interactions
Fluphenazine + Papaveretum
Severity: Major
Fluphenazine and Papaveretum: 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
Papaveretum contains opium alkaloids, including morphine, which cause sedation and respiratory depression. Fluphenazine adds central depressant effects, so the combination can cause profound drowsiness, hypotension and slowed breathing.
What this interaction means in plain words
Fluphenazine and Papaveretum 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 from opioid agonism and dopamine and histamine receptor blockade.
What to do
Start with reduced opioid doses and titrate carefully while monitoring sedation, blood pressure and respiratory rate. Warn patients to avoid driving and 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 Papaveretum?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Fluphenazine and Papaveretum 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. Papaveretum contains opium alkaloids, including morphine, which cause sedation and respiratory depression. Fluphenazine adds central depressant effects, so the combination can cause profound drowsiness, hypotension and slowed breathing.
How serious is the interaction between Fluphenazine and Papaveretum?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Start with reduced opioid doses and titrate carefully while monitoring sedation, blood pressure and respiratory rate. Warn patients to avoid driving and 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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