Drug interactions
Meclizine + Orphenadrine
Severity: Moderate
Meclizine and Orphenadrine: 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
Orphenadrine has marked anticholinergic and sedative actions, and meclizine adds further antimuscarinic and sedative load. The combination may cause confusion, dizziness, dry mouth, urinary retention and tachycardia, especially in the elderly.
What this interaction means in plain words
Meclizine and Orphenadrine 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 antimuscarinic and CNS depressant effects.
What to do
Monitor for anticholinergic effects and sedation, and use the lowest effective doses. Avoid the combination in older adults where possible.
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 Meclizine
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Meclizine with Orphenadrine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Meclizine and Orphenadrine 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. Orphenadrine has marked anticholinergic and sedative actions, and meclizine adds further antimuscarinic and sedative load. The combination may cause confusion, dizziness, dry mouth, urinary retention and tachycardia, especially in the elderly.
How serious is the interaction between Meclizine and Orphenadrine?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor for anticholinergic effects and sedation, and use the lowest effective doses. Avoid the combination in older adults where possible.
What other medicines interact with Meclizine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Meclizine with, for example, Belladonna and opium, Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen, Brexanolone. The full list is on the Meclizine page.
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