Drug interactions
Melatonin + Pholcodine
Severity: Minor
Melatonin 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. Melatonin may add to sedation and reduce alertness.
What this interaction means in plain words
Melatonin 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 central nervous system depression.
What to do
Counsel patients about additive drowsiness and advise against driving until the response is known.
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 Melatonin
- Fluvoxamine + Melatonin Major
- Alfentanil + Melatonin Moderate
- Belladonna and opium + Melatonin Moderate
- Buprenorphine buccal + Melatonin Moderate
- Butabarbital + Melatonin Moderate
- Butalbital + Melatonin Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Melatonin with Pholcodine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Melatonin 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. Melatonin may add to sedation and reduce alertness.
How serious is the interaction between Melatonin 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 patients about additive drowsiness and advise against driving until the response is known.
What other medicines interact with Melatonin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Melatonin with, for example, Fluvoxamine, Alfentanil, Belladonna and opium. The full list is on the Melatonin page.
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