Drug interactions
Meperidine + Metoclopramide
Severity: Moderate
Meperidine and Metoclopramide: 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
Opioids slow gastric emptying and gut motility, which opposes the prokinetic action of metoclopramide. Both drugs can also cause CNS depression and sedation, and meperidine has serotonergic activity and neurotoxic metabolites.
What this interaction means in plain words
Meperidine and Metoclopramide 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.
Meperidine belongs to Musculoskeletal; Metoclopramide belongs to Gastrointestinal Tract.
Why it happens
Opioid-mediated reduction in gastrointestinal motility antagonizes metoclopramide, with additive CNS depressant effects.
What to do
Monitor for reduced prokinetic response and for sedation. Consider an alternative opioid with less serotonergic activity if appropriate.
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 Metoclopramide
Other interactions of Meperidine
- Alvimopan + Meperidine Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Meperidine Contraindicated
- Meperidine + Methylene blue Contraindicated
- Meperidine + Olanzapine / samidorphan Contraindicated
- Meperidine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Meperidine + Procarbazine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Meperidine with Metoclopramide?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Meperidine and Metoclopramide 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. Opioids slow gastric emptying and gut motility, which opposes the prokinetic action of metoclopramide. Both drugs can also cause CNS depression and sedation, and meperidine has serotonergic activity and neurotoxic metabolites.
How serious is the interaction between Meperidine and Metoclopramide?
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 reduced prokinetic response and for sedation. Consider an alternative opioid with less serotonergic activity if appropriate.
What other medicines interact with Metoclopramide?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Metoclopramide with, for example, Amantadine, Amoxapine, Antipsychotics (e.g., haloperidol). The full list is on the Metoclopramide page.
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