Drug interactions
Metaxalone + Pholcodine
Severity: Moderate
Metaxalone and Pholcodine: 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
Pholcodine is an opioid cough suppressant with mild sedative properties, and it can add to the drowsiness caused by metaxalone. The effect is usually modest at antitussive doses.
What this interaction means in plain words
Metaxalone and Pholcodine 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.
Why it happens
Additive central nervous system depression from an opioid antitussive and a muscle relaxant.
What to do
Advise the patient to avoid driving and alcohol and to monitor for excessive drowsiness. Reduce doses if sedation is troublesome.
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 Metaxalone
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Metaxalone with Pholcodine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Metaxalone and Pholcodine 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. Pholcodine is an opioid cough suppressant with mild sedative properties, and it can add to the drowsiness caused by metaxalone. The effect is usually modest at antitussive doses.
How serious is the interaction between Metaxalone and Pholcodine?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Advise the patient to avoid driving and alcohol and to monitor for excessive drowsiness. Reduce doses if sedation is troublesome.
What other medicines interact with Metaxalone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Metaxalone with, for example, Alfentanil, Belladonna and opium, Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen. The full list is on the Metaxalone page.
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