Drug interactions
Lisdexamfetamine + Pholcodine
Severity: Minor
Lisdexamfetamine 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 that can cause drowsiness, while lisdexamfetamine is a stimulant that may mask this sedation. The stimulant may hide impairment without reversing the opioid's effect on cough or respiratory drive.
What this interaction means in plain words
Lisdexamfetamine 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
Opposing central nervous system effects (opioid sedation versus amphetamine stimulation) with no established pharmacokinetic interaction.
What to do
Counsel the patient not to rely on perceived alertness when driving or operating machinery. Use the lowest effective pholcodine dose and short courses.
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 Lisdexamfetamine
- Isocarboxazid + Lisdexamfetamine Contraindicated
- Linezolid + Lisdexamfetamine Contraindicated
- Lisdexamfetamine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Lisdexamfetamine + Procarbazine Contraindicated
- Lisdexamfetamine + Rasagiline Contraindicated
- Lisdexamfetamine + Safinamide Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Lisdexamfetamine with Pholcodine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Lisdexamfetamine 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 that can cause drowsiness, while lisdexamfetamine is a stimulant that may mask this sedation. The stimulant may hide impairment without reversing the opioid's effect on cough or respiratory drive.
How serious is the interaction between Lisdexamfetamine 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: Counsel the patient not to rely on perceived alertness when driving or operating machinery. Use the lowest effective pholcodine dose and short courses.
What other medicines interact with Lisdexamfetamine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Lisdexamfetamine with, for example, Isocarboxazid, Linezolid, Phenelzine. The full list is on the Lisdexamfetamine page.
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