Drug interactions
Methadone + Prochlorperazine
Severity: Major
Methadone and Prochlorperazine: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
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
Both drugs can prolong the QT interval, so together they increase the risk of torsades de pointes. They also add to sedation and respiratory depression.
What this interaction means in plain words
Methadone and Prochlorperazine 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.
Methadone belongs to Musculoskeletal; Prochlorperazine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation through hERG potassium channel blockade, plus additive CNS depression.
What to do
Obtain an ECG and correct electrolyte disturbances, and avoid other QT-prolonging drugs. Monitor for sedation and respiratory depression, or use a non-QT-prolonging antiemetic.
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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References
Other interactions of Prochlorperazine
- Dronedarone + Prochlorperazine Contraindicated
- Ibutilide + Prochlorperazine Contraindicated
- Nilotinib + Prochlorperazine Contraindicated
- Pimozide + Prochlorperazine Contraindicated
- Prochlorperazine + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Prochlorperazine Major
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 Prochlorperazine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Methadone and Prochlorperazine 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. Both drugs can prolong the QT interval, so together they increase the risk of torsades de pointes. They also add to sedation and respiratory depression.
How serious is the interaction between Methadone and Prochlorperazine?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Obtain an ECG and correct electrolyte disturbances, and avoid other QT-prolonging drugs. Monitor for sedation and respiratory depression, or use a non-QT-prolonging antiemetic.
What other medicines interact with Prochlorperazine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Prochlorperazine with, for example, Dronedarone, Ibutilide, Nilotinib. The full list is on the Prochlorperazine page.
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