Drug interactions
Meperidine + Opium tincture
Severity: Major
Meperidine and Opium tincture: major 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
Opium tincture contains morphine, so combined use with meperidine adds opioid effects and raises the risk of profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma and death.
What this interaction means in plain words
Meperidine and Opium tincture can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Why it happens
Additive mu-opioid receptor mediated CNS and respiratory depression.
What to do
Avoid duplicate opioid therapy where possible; if both are needed use reduced doses and monitor respiratory rate and sedation. Take care with tincture dosing because of its high concentration.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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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 Opium tincture?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Meperidine and Opium tincture can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Opium tincture contains morphine, so combined use with meperidine adds opioid effects and raises the risk of profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma and death.
How serious is the interaction between Meperidine and Opium tincture?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid duplicate opioid therapy where possible; if both are needed use reduced doses and monitor respiratory rate and sedation. Take care with tincture dosing because of its high concentration.
What other medicines interact with Meperidine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Meperidine with, for example, Alvimopan, Isocarboxazid, Methylene blue. The full list is on the Meperidine page.
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