Drug interactions
Methadone + Metoclopramide
Severity: Moderate
Methadone 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
Methadone is an opioid that slows gastrointestinal transit and causes sedation and respiratory depression, which directly opposes metoclopramide's prokinetic effect. Metoclopramide also adds CNS depressant effects, and methadone prolongs the QT interval, which matters if other risk factors are present.
What this interaction means in plain words
Methadone 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.
Methadone belongs to Musculoskeletal; Metoclopramide belongs to Gastrointestinal Tract.
Why it happens
Opposing effects on gut motility plus additive CNS depression; methadone adds QT prolongation risk.
What to do
Monitor for sedation, respiratory depression and reduced prokinetic benefit. Check ECG and electrolytes in patients with other QT risk factors.
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 Methadone
- Alvimopan + Methadone Contraindicated
- Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Methadone Contraindicated
- Droperidol + Methadone Contraindicated
- Ibutilide + Methadone Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Methadone Contraindicated
- Lefamulin + Methadone Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Methadone with Metoclopramide?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Methadone 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. Methadone is an opioid that slows gastrointestinal transit and causes sedation and respiratory depression, which directly opposes metoclopramide's prokinetic effect. Metoclopramide also adds CNS depressant effects, and methadone prolongs the QT interval, which matters if other risk factors are present.
How serious is the interaction between Methadone 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 sedation, respiratory depression and reduced prokinetic benefit. Check ECG and electrolytes in patients with other QT risk factors.
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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