Drug interactions
Imipramine + Pholcodine
Severity: Minor
Imipramine and Pholcodine: 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
Pholcodine is an opioid antitussive with sedative properties, and imipramine adds to drowsiness and psychomotor impairment. The effect is usually modest at antitussive doses.
What this interaction means in plain words
Imipramine and Pholcodine have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depressant effects.
What to do
Advise patients about increased drowsiness and to avoid driving or alcohol. Monitor older patients for excessive sedation.
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 Imipramine
- Dronedarone + Imipramine Contraindicated
- Imipramine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Imipramine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Imipramine + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Imipramine + Rasagiline Contraindicated
- Imipramine + Safinamide Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Imipramine with Pholcodine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Imipramine and Pholcodine have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Pholcodine is an opioid antitussive with sedative properties, and imipramine adds to drowsiness and psychomotor impairment. The effect is usually modest at antitussive doses.
How serious is the interaction between Imipramine and Pholcodine?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Advise patients about increased drowsiness and to avoid driving or alcohol. Monitor older patients for excessive sedation.
What other medicines interact with Imipramine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Imipramine with, for example, Dronedarone, Isocarboxazid, Phenelzine. The full list is on the Imipramine page.
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