Drug interactions
Morphine + Papaverine
Severity: Minor
Morphine and Papaverine: 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
Papaverine can cause sedation, dizziness and hypotension at systemic doses, which may add to morphine effects. Clinically significant interactions are poorly documented, and the two have a pharmacological antagonism on smooth muscle.
What this interaction means in plain words
Morphine and Papaverine have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Morphine belongs to Musculoskeletal; Papaverine belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Possible additive sedation and vasodilation; no established pharmacokinetic mechanism.
What to do
No routine adjustment is needed; monitor sedation and blood pressure.
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 Morphine
- Alvimopan + Morphine Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Morphine Contraindicated
- Morphine + Olanzapine / samidorphan Contraindicated
- Morphine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Morphine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Morphine Major
Other interactions of Papaverine
- Givinostat + Papaverine Major
- Bretylium + Papaverine Moderate
- Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Papaverine Moderate
- Carbidopa-entacapone-levodopa + Papaverine Moderate
- Carbidopa-levodopa + Papaverine Moderate
- Carbidopa + Papaverine Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Morphine with Papaverine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Morphine and Papaverine have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Papaverine can cause sedation, dizziness and hypotension at systemic doses, which may add to morphine effects. Clinically significant interactions are poorly documented, and the two have a pharmacological antagonism on smooth muscle.
How serious is the interaction between Morphine and Papaverine?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: No routine adjustment is needed; monitor sedation and blood pressure.
What other medicines interact with Morphine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Morphine with, for example, Alvimopan, Isocarboxazid, Olanzapine / samidorphan. The full list is on the Morphine page.
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