Drug interactions
Ketotifen + Pholcodine
Severity: Moderate
Ketotifen and Pholcodine: moderate 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 mild sedative properties, and ketotifen is a sedating antihistamine. Together they may increase drowsiness and reduce concentration. The ophthalmic form of ketotifen has limited systemic exposure, so the risk is mainly with oral use.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ketotifen and Pholcodine can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Why it happens
Additive central nervous system depression from antihistamine and opioid activity.
What to do
Advise patients about possible drowsiness and caution when driving or using machinery. Use the lowest effective doses and review if excessive sedation occurs.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Ketotifen
- Ketotifen + Phenobarbital Moderate
- Ketotifen + Primidone Moderate
- Ketotifen + Protriptyline Moderate
- Ketotifen + Quazepam Moderate
- Ketotifen + Rotigotine Moderate
- Ketotifen + Sufentanil Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ketotifen with Pholcodine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Ketotifen and Pholcodine can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Pholcodine is an opioid antitussive with mild sedative properties, and ketotifen is a sedating antihistamine. Together they may increase drowsiness and reduce concentration. The ophthalmic form of ketotifen has limited systemic exposure, so the risk is mainly with oral use.
How serious is the interaction between Ketotifen and Pholcodine?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Advise patients about possible drowsiness and caution when driving or using machinery. Use the lowest effective doses and review if excessive sedation occurs.
What other medicines interact with Ketotifen?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Ketotifen with, for example, Phenobarbital, Primidone, Protriptyline. The full list is on the Ketotifen page.
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