Drug interactions
Nortriptyline + Pholcodine
Severity: Minor
Nortriptyline and Pholcodine: 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
Pholcodine is an opioid antitussive with mild sedative properties, and nortriptyline is a sedating tricyclic antidepressant. Together they may increase drowsiness and reduce alertness. The effect is usually modest at antitussive doses.
What this interaction means in plain words
Nortriptyline and Pholcodine have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Why it happens
Additive central nervous system depressant effects.
What to do
Advise patients about increased drowsiness and to avoid driving or alcohol until the response is known. Use the lowest effective pholcodine dose for the shortest time.
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 Nortriptyline
- Disopyramide + Nortriptyline Contraindicated
- Dofetilide + Nortriptyline Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Nortriptyline Contraindicated
- Ibutilide + Nortriptyline Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Nortriptyline Contraindicated
- Methylene blue + Nortriptyline Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Nortriptyline with Pholcodine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Nortriptyline and Pholcodine have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Pholcodine is an opioid antitussive with mild sedative properties, and nortriptyline is a sedating tricyclic antidepressant. Together they may increase drowsiness and reduce alertness. The effect is usually modest at antitussive doses.
How serious is the interaction between Nortriptyline and Pholcodine?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Advise patients about increased drowsiness and to avoid driving or alcohol until the response is known. Use the lowest effective pholcodine dose for the shortest time.
What other medicines interact with Nortriptyline?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Nortriptyline with, for example, Disopyramide, Dofetilide, Dronedarone. The full list is on the Nortriptyline page.
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