Drug interactions
Pholcodine + Propofol
Severity: Moderate
Pholcodine and Propofol: 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 in combination with propofol it can add to sedation and respiratory depression. The effect is usually modest at antitussive doses.
What this interaction means in plain words
Pholcodine and Propofol 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 depression from opioid receptor activity and propofol GABA-A potentiation.
What to do
Monitor sedation and respiratory status and titrate propofol to effect, using a lower dose if the patient recently took pholcodine.
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 Propofol
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Pholcodine with Propofol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Pholcodine and Propofol 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 in combination with propofol it can add to sedation and respiratory depression. The effect is usually modest at antitussive doses.
How serious is the interaction between Pholcodine and Propofol?
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 sedation and respiratory status and titrate propofol to effect, using a lower dose if the patient recently took pholcodine.
What other medicines interact with Propofol?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Propofol with, for example, Alfentanil, Alprazolam, Amobarbital. The full list is on the Propofol page.
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