Drug interactions
Nalbuphine + Pholcodine
Severity: Moderate
Nalbuphine 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 antitussive and with nalbuphine may produce additive drowsiness and respiratory depression. The effect is generally modest at antitussive doses.
What this interaction means in plain words
Nalbuphine 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 CNS and respiratory depression from opioid receptor activity.
What to do
Monitor for excess sedation and slowed breathing, and avoid unnecessary cough preparations during nalbuphine therapy.
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 Nalbuphine
- Alvimopan + Nalbuphine Contraindicated
- Nalbuphine + Olanzapine / samidorphan Contraindicated
- Alprazolam + Nalbuphine Major
- Amobarbital + Nalbuphine Major
- Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen + Nalbuphine Major
- Brexanolone + Nalbuphine Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Nalbuphine with Pholcodine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Nalbuphine 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 antitussive and with nalbuphine may produce additive drowsiness and respiratory depression. The effect is generally modest at antitussive doses.
How serious is the interaction between Nalbuphine 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: Monitor for excess sedation and slowed breathing, and avoid unnecessary cough preparations during nalbuphine therapy.
What other medicines interact with Nalbuphine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Nalbuphine with, for example, Alvimopan, Olanzapine / samidorphan, Alprazolam. The full list is on the Nalbuphine page.
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