Drug interactions
Meperidine + Scullcap
Severity: Minor
Meperidine and Scullcap: 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
Skullcap has traditional sedative and anxiolytic uses, so it may add to the drowsiness caused by meperidine. Evidence is limited and clinical data are sparse.
What this interaction means in plain words
Meperidine and Scullcap 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
Theoretical additive CNS depression, possibly via GABAergic activity of flavonoids.
What to do
Advise patients to report excess drowsiness and to avoid driving until the response is known. Consider stopping the herbal product if sedation occurs.
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 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 Scullcap?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Meperidine and Scullcap have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Skullcap has traditional sedative and anxiolytic uses, so it may add to the drowsiness caused by meperidine. Evidence is limited and clinical data are sparse.
How serious is the interaction between Meperidine and Scullcap?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Advise patients to report excess drowsiness and to avoid driving until the response is known. Consider stopping the herbal product if sedation occurs.
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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