Drug interactions
Papaveretum + Promethazine
Severity: Major
Papaveretum and Promethazine: major 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
Papaveretum contains opium alkaloids including morphine, which cause sedation and respiratory depression. Promethazine adds sedative and hypotensive effects, increasing the risk of profound CNS depression.
What this interaction means in plain words
Papaveretum and Promethazine 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.
Why it happens
Additive CNS and respiratory depression from opioid agonism and H1 antihistamine sedation.
What to do
Start with reduced doses and monitor respiratory rate, oxygen saturation and sedation level. Avoid concurrent alcohol or other sedatives.
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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Other interactions of Promethazine
- Ibutilide + Promethazine Contraindicated
- Pimozide + Promethazine Contraindicated
- Promethazine + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Promethazine Major
- Amiodarone + Promethazine Major
- Amisulpride + Promethazine Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Papaveretum with Promethazine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Papaveretum and Promethazine 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. Papaveretum contains opium alkaloids including morphine, which cause sedation and respiratory depression. Promethazine adds sedative and hypotensive effects, increasing the risk of profound CNS depression.
How serious is the interaction between Papaveretum and Promethazine?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Start with reduced doses and monitor respiratory rate, oxygen saturation and sedation level. Avoid concurrent alcohol or other sedatives.
What other medicines interact with Promethazine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Promethazine with, for example, Ibutilide, Pimozide, Thioridazine. The full list is on the Promethazine page.
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