Drug interactions
Meperidine + Orphenadrin
Severity: Major
Meperidine and Orphenadrin: 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
Combining an opioid with orphenadrine increases sedation and may add to respiratory depression. Both have anticholinergic features, and meperidine's neurotoxic metabolite (normeperidine) can cause agitation or seizures, adding to the risk of confusion.
What this interaction means in plain words
Meperidine and Orphenadrin 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.
Meperidine belongs to Musculoskeletal; Orphenadrin belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive CNS and respiratory depression and additive anticholinergic effects.
What to do
Avoid if possible, particularly in older patients, and use the lowest doses for the shortest time. Monitor for sedation, respiratory depression and confusion.
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 Orphenadrin
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 Orphenadrin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Meperidine and Orphenadrin 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. Combining an opioid with orphenadrine increases sedation and may add to respiratory depression. Both have anticholinergic features, and meperidine's neurotoxic metabolite (normeperidine) can cause agitation or seizures, adding to the risk of confusion.
How serious is the interaction between Meperidine and Orphenadrin?
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 if possible, particularly in older patients, and use the lowest doses for the shortest time. Monitor for sedation, respiratory depression and confusion.
What other medicines interact with Orphenadrin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Orphenadrin with, for example, Alfentanil, Amobarbital, Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen. The full list is on the Orphenadrin page.
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