Promethazine hydrochloride should not be used in pediatric patients less than 2 years of age because of the potential for fatal respiratory depression. Postmarketing cases of respiratory depression, including fatalities, have been reported with use of promethazine hydrochloride in pediatric patients less than 2 years of age. A wide range of weight-based doses of promethazine hydrochloride have resulted in respiratory depression in these patients.
Caution should be exercised when administering promethazine hydrochloride to pediatric patients 2 years of age and older. It is recommended that the lowest effective dose of promethazine hydrochloride be used in pediatric patients 2 years of age and older and concomitant administration of other drugs with respiratory depressant effects be avoided.
Note: Promethazine with phenylephrine is contraindicated for use in infants or children <2 years old.
Upper respiratory symptoms: Oral solution: Promethazine 6.25 mg and phenylephrine 5 mg per 5 mL
Children 2 to <6 years: Oral: 1.25 to 2.5 mL every 4 to 6 hours; not to exceed 15 mL in 24 hours
Children 6 to <12 years: Oral: 2.5 to 5 mL every 4 to 6 hours; not to exceed 30 mL in 24 hours
Children ≥12 years and Adolescents: Oral: 5 mL every 4 to 6 hours; not to exceed 30 mL in 24 hours
There are no dosage adjustments provided in manufacturer's labeling. See individual agents.
Children ≥2 years and Adolescents: The manufacturer recommends to avoid use in pediatric patients with signs and symptoms of hepatic disease (extrapyramidal symptoms caused by promethazine may be confused with CNS signs of hepatic disease). See individual agents.
(For additional information see "Promethazine and phenylephrine: Drug information")
Upper respiratory symptoms: Oral: 5 mL (promethazine 6.25 mg/phenylephrine 5 mg) every 4 to 6 hours; maximum: 30 mL (promethazine 37.5 mg/phenylephrine 30 mg)/24 hours.
There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer’s labeling.
There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer’s labeling; use with caution (cholestatic jaundice has been reported with use).
See individual agents.
Hypersensitivity to promethazine, phenylephrine, or any component of the formulation (cross-reactivity between phenothiazines may occur;) treatment of lower respiratory tract symptoms, including asthma; comatose states; hypertension; peripheral vascular insufficiency; concurrent use with MAO inhibitor therapy; children <2 years of age.
Significant drug interactions exist, requiring dose/frequency adjustment or avoidance. Consult drug interactions database for more information.
Concerns related to adverse effects:
• Altered cardiac conduction: May alter cardiac conduction (life-threatening arrhythmias have occurred with therapeutic doses of phenothiazines).
• Anticholinergic effects: Phenothiazines may cause anticholinergic effects (constipation, xerostomia, blurred vision, urinary retention); therefore, they should be used with caution in patients with decreased gastrointestinal motility, urinary retention, BPH, xerostomia, or visual problems.
• Extrapyramidal symptoms: May cause extrapyramidal symptoms, including pseudoparkinsonism, acute dystonic reactions, akathisia, and tardive dyskinesia.
• Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS): Use may be associated with NMS; monitor for mental status changes, fever, muscle rigidity and/or autonomic instability.
• Orthostatic hypotension: May cause orthostatic hypotension; use with caution in patients at risk of this effect or in those who would not tolerate transient hypotensive episodes (cerebrovascular disease, cardiovascular disease, hypovolemia, or concurrent medication use which may predispose to hypotension/bradycardia).
• Sedation: May be sedating, use with caution in disorders where CNS depression is a feature; patients must be cautioned about performing tasks which require mental alertness (eg, operating machinery or driving).
• Temperature regulation: Impaired core body temperature regulation may occur; caution with strenuous exercise, heat exposure, dehydration, and concomitant medication possessing anticholinergic effects.
Disease-related concerns:
• Bone marrow suppression: Use with caution in patients with bone marrow suppression; leukopenia and agranulocytosis have been reported.
• Cardiovascular disease: Use with caution in patients with severe cardiovascular disease.
• Diabetes: Use phenylephrine with caution in patients with diabetes mellitus.
• Glaucoma: Use with caution in patients with narrow-angle glaucoma and/or increased intraocular pressure; condition may be exacerbated by cholinergic blockade. Screening is recommended.
• Hepatic impairment: Use with caution in patients with hepatic impairment; cholestatic jaundice has been reported with use. Avoid use in pediatric patients with signs and symptoms of hepatic disease (extrapyramidal symptoms caused by promethazine may be confused with CNS signs of hepatic disease).
• Hyperthyroidism: Use phenylephrine with caution in patients with hyperthyroidism.
• Myasthenia gravis: Use with caution in patients with myasthenia gravis; condition may be exacerbated by cholinergic blockade.
• Parkinson disease: Use with caution in patients with Parkinson disease; may have increased risk of tardive dyskinesia.
• Prostatic hyperplasia: Use phenylephrine with caution in patients with prostatic hyperplasia.
• Respiratory disease: Use with caution in patients with severe respiratory disease (asthma, COPD, sleep apnea); may lead to potentially fatal respiratory depression.
• Seizures: Use with caution in patients at risk of seizures, including those with a history of seizures, head trauma, brain damage, alcoholism, or concurrent therapy with medications which may lower seizure threshold.
Concurrent drug therapy issues:
• Antiemetic effects: May mask toxicity of other drugs or conditions (eg, intestinal obstruction, Reye's syndrome, brain tumor) due to antiemetic effects.
• Sedatives: Effects may be potentiated when used with other sedative drugs or ethanol.
Special populations:
• Older adult: Use phenylephrine with caution in older adults.
• Pediatric: [US Boxed Warning]: Safety and efficacy of this combination have not been established in children <2 years of age (use of promethazine is contraindicated). In children ≥2 years, use the lowest possible dose; other drugs with respiratory depressant effects should be avoided. Avoid use in children who may have Reye syndrome or hepatic disease as adverse reactions caused by promethazine may be confused with signs of primary disease.
Children with dehydration are at increased risk for development of dystonic reactions from promethazine.
Safety and efficacy for the use of cough and cold products in pediatric patients <4 years of age is limited; the AAP warns against the use of these products for respiratory illnesses in young children. Serious adverse effects including death have been reported. Many of these products contain multiple active ingredients, increasing the risk of accidental overdose when used with other products. Health care providers are reminded to ask caregivers about the use of OTC cough and cold products in order to avoid exposure to multiple medications containing the same ingredient (AAP 2018; CDC 2007; FDA 2017; FDA 2018).
Some dosage forms may contain propylene glycol; in neonates large amounts of propylene glycol delivered orally, intravenously (eg, >3,000 mg/day), or topically have been associated with potentially fatal toxicities which can include metabolic acidosis, seizures, renal failure, and CNS depression; toxicities have also been reported in children and adults including hyperosmolality, lactic acidosis, seizures, and respiratory depression; use caution (AAP 1997; Shehab 2009).
Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling. [DSC] = Discontinued product
Solution, Oral:
Promethazine VC: Promethazine hydrochloride 6.25 mg and phenylephrine hydrochloride 5 mg per 5 mL (118 mL [DSC], 473 mL) [contains ethanol 7%, menthol, propylene glycol, sodium benzoate; apricot-peach flavor]
Generic: Promethazine hydrochloride 6.25 mg and phenylephrine hydrochloride 5 mg per 5 mL (473 mL)
Yes
Syrup (Promethazine-Phenylephrine Oral)
6.25-5 mg/5 mL (per mL): $0.34
Disclaimer: A representative AWP (Average Wholesale Price) price or price range is provided as reference price only. A range is provided when more than one manufacturer's AWP price is available and uses the low and high price reported by the manufacturers to determine the range. The pricing data should be used for benchmarking purposes only, and as such should not be used alone to set or adjudicate any prices for reimbursement or purchasing functions or considered to be an exact price for a single product and/or manufacturer. Medi-Span expressly disclaims all warranties of any kind or nature, whether express or implied, and assumes no liability with respect to accuracy of price or price range data published in its solutions. In no event shall Medi-Span be liable for special, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from use of price or price range data. Pricing data is updated monthly.
Oral: Administer with food, water, or milk to decrease GI distress
Temporary relief of upper respiratory symptoms associated with allergy or the common cold (FDA approved in ages ≥2 years and adults)
Beers Criteria: Promethazine, a first-generation antihistamine, is identified in the Beers Criteria as a potentially inappropriate medication to be avoided in patients ≥65 years (independent of diagnosis or condition) due to its potent anticholinergic properties resulting in increased risk of confusion, dry mouth, constipation, and other anticholinergic effects or toxicity; use should also be avoided due to reduced clearance with advanced age and tolerance associated with use as a hypnotic. Exposure to concurrent anticholinergic drugs also increases risk of falls, delirium, and dementia; consider total anticholinergic burden when conducting medication reviews (Beers Criteria [AGS 2023]).
KIDs List: Dopamine antagonists, when used in pediatric patients <18 years of age, are identified on the Key Potentially Inappropriate Drugs in Pediatrics (KIDs) list; use should be avoided in infants and used with caution in children and adolescents due to risk of acute dystonia (dyskinesia), and with intravenous administration an increased risk of respiratory depression, extravasation, and death (strong recommendation; moderate quality of evidence) (PPA [Meyers 2020]).
Refer to individual components.
Note: Interacting drugs may not be individually listed below if they are part of a group interaction (eg, individual drugs within “CYP3A4 Inducers [Strong]” are NOT listed). For a complete list of drug interactions by individual drug name and detailed management recommendations, use the drug interactions program by clicking on the “Launch drug interactions program” link above.
Note: Interacting drugs may not be individually listed below if they are part of a group interaction (eg, individual drugs within “CYP3A4 Inducers [Strong]” are NOT listed). For a complete list of drug interactions by individual drug name and detailed management recommendations, use the drug interactions program
Acetaminophen: May increase the serum concentration of Phenylephrine (Systemic). Risk C: Monitor therapy
Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors: May diminish the therapeutic effect of Agents with Clinically Relevant Anticholinergic Effects. Agents with Clinically Relevant Anticholinergic Effects may diminish the therapeutic effect of Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Aclidinium: May enhance the anticholinergic effect of Agents with Clinically Relevant Anticholinergic Effects. Risk X: Avoid combination
Agents with Clinically Relevant Anticholinergic Effects: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of other Agents with Clinically Relevant Anticholinergic Effects. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Alcohol (Ethyl): CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Alcohol (Ethyl). Risk C: Monitor therapy
Alizapride: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Alpha1-Blockers: May diminish the vasoconstricting effect of Phenylephrine (Systemic). Risk C: Monitor therapy
Amantadine: May enhance the anticholinergic effect of Agents with Clinically Relevant Anticholinergic Effects. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Aminolevulinic Acid (Systemic): Photosensitizing Agents may enhance the photosensitizing effect of Aminolevulinic Acid (Systemic). Risk X: Avoid combination
Aminolevulinic Acid (Topical): Photosensitizing Agents may enhance the photosensitizing effect of Aminolevulinic Acid (Topical). Risk C: Monitor therapy
Atomoxetine: May enhance the hypertensive effect of Sympathomimetics. Atomoxetine may enhance the tachycardic effect of Sympathomimetics. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Atropine (Systemic): May enhance the hypertensive effect of Alpha1-Agonists. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Azelastine (Nasal): May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk X: Avoid combination
Benperidol: Agents with Clinically Relevant Anticholinergic Effects may diminish the therapeutic effect of Benperidol. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Benzylpenicilloyl Polylysine: Alpha1-Agonists may diminish the diagnostic effect of Benzylpenicilloyl Polylysine. Management: Consider delaying skin testing until alpha1-agonists are no longer required, or use of a histamine skin test as a positive control to assess a patient's ability to mount a wheal and flare response. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Blonanserin: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Blonanserin. Management: Use caution if coadministering blonanserin and CNS depressants; dose reduction of the other CNS depressant may be required. Strong CNS depressants should not be coadministered with blonanserin. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Botulinum Toxin-Containing Products: May enhance the anticholinergic effect of Agents with Clinically Relevant Anticholinergic Effects. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Brexanolone: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Brexanolone. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Brimonidine (Topical): May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Bromocriptine: May enhance the hypertensive effect of Alpha1-Agonists. Management: Consider alternatives to this combination when possible. If combined, monitor for hypertension and tachycardia, and do not coadminister these agents for more than 10 days. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Bromopride: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Promethazine. Risk X: Avoid combination
Bromperidol: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk X: Avoid combination
Buprenorphine: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Buprenorphine. Management: Consider reduced doses of other CNS depressants, and avoiding such drugs in patients at high risk of buprenorphine overuse/self-injection. Initiate buprenorphine at lower doses in patients already receiving CNS depressants. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Cannabinoid-Containing Products: May enhance the tachycardic effect of Sympathomimetics. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Cannabinoid-Containing Products: Agents with Clinically Relevant Anticholinergic Effects may enhance the tachycardic effect of Cannabinoid-Containing Products. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Cannabinoid-Containing Products: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Cannabinoid-Containing Products. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Chloral Betaine: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Agents with Clinically Relevant Anticholinergic Effects. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Chlormethiazole: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Management: Monitor closely for evidence of excessive CNS depression. The chlormethiazole labeling states that an appropriately reduced dose should be used if such a combination must be used. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Chloroprocaine (Systemic): May enhance the hypotensive effect of Phenylephrine (Systemic). Risk C: Monitor therapy
Chlorphenesin Carbamate: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Chlorprothixene: Agents with Clinically Relevant Anticholinergic Effects may enhance the anticholinergic effect of Chlorprothixene. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Cimetropium: Agents with Clinically Relevant Anticholinergic Effects may enhance the anticholinergic effect of Cimetropium. Risk X: Avoid combination
CloZAPine: Agents with Clinically Relevant Anticholinergic Effects may enhance the constipating effect of CloZAPine. Management: Consider alternatives to this combination whenever possible. If combined, monitor closely for signs and symptoms of gastrointestinal hypomotility and consider prophylactic laxative treatment. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
CNS Depressants: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of other CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Cocaine (Topical): May enhance the hypertensive effect of Sympathomimetics. Management: Consider alternatives to use of this combination when possible. Monitor closely for substantially increased blood pressure or heart rate and for any evidence of myocardial ischemia with concurrent use. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Daridorexant: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Management: Dose reduction of daridorexant and/or any other CNS depressant may be necessary. Use of daridorexant with alcohol is not recommended, and the use of daridorexant with any other drug to treat insomnia is not recommended. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
DexmedeTOMIDine: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of DexmedeTOMIDine. Management: Monitor for increased CNS depression during coadministration of dexmedetomidine and CNS depressants, and consider dose reductions of either agent to avoid excessive CNS depression. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Difelikefalin: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Dimethindene (Systemic): Agents with Clinically Relevant Anticholinergic Effects may enhance the anticholinergic effect of Dimethindene (Systemic). Risk C: Monitor therapy
Dimethindene (Topical): May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Doxofylline: Sympathomimetics may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Doxofylline. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Doxylamine: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Doxylamine. Risk C: Monitor therapy
DroPERidol: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Management: Consider dose reductions of droperidol or of other CNS agents (eg, opioids, barbiturates) with concomitant use. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Eluxadoline: Agents with Clinically Relevant Anticholinergic Effects may enhance the constipating effect of Eluxadoline. Risk X: Avoid combination
EPINEPHrine (Systemic): Promethazine may diminish the vasoconstricting effect of EPINEPHrine (Systemic). Management: Avoid epinephrine and consider norepinephrine or phenylephrine when treating hypotension due to promethazine overdose. Consider alternative vasocontrictors in patients treated with promethazine. This combination may be indicated in anaphylaxis treatment. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Ergot Derivatives (Vasoconstrictive CYP3A4 Substrates): May enhance the vasoconstricting effect of Alpha1-Agonists. Risk X: Avoid combination
Esketamine: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Flunarizine: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Flunarizine. Risk X: Avoid combination
Flunitrazepam: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Flunitrazepam. Management: Reduce the dose of CNS depressants when combined with flunitrazepam and monitor patients for evidence of CNS depression (eg, sedation, respiratory depression). Use non-CNS depressant alternatives when available. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Gastrointestinal Agents (Prokinetic): Agents with Clinically Relevant Anticholinergic Effects may diminish the therapeutic effect of Gastrointestinal Agents (Prokinetic). Risk C: Monitor therapy
Glucagon: Agents with Clinically Relevant Anticholinergic Effects may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Glucagon. Specifically, the risk of gastrointestinal adverse effects may be increased. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Glycopyrrolate (Oral Inhalation): Agents with Clinically Relevant Anticholinergic Effects may enhance the anticholinergic effect of Glycopyrrolate (Oral Inhalation). Risk X: Avoid combination
Glycopyrronium (Topical): May enhance the anticholinergic effect of Agents with Clinically Relevant Anticholinergic Effects. Risk X: Avoid combination
Guanethidine: May enhance the arrhythmogenic effect of Sympathomimetics. Guanethidine may enhance the hypertensive effect of Sympathomimetics. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Haloperidol: Promethazine may enhance the anticholinergic effect of Haloperidol. Promethazine may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Haloperidol. Promethazine may increase the serum concentration of Haloperidol. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Hyaluronidase: May enhance the vasoconstricting effect of Phenylephrine (Systemic). Management: Do not use hyaluronidase to enhance the dispersion or absorption of phenylephrine. Use of hyaluronidase for other purposes in patients receiving phenylephrine may be considered as clinically indicated. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
HydrOXYzine: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Management: Consider a decrease in the CNS depressant dose, as appropriate, when used together with hydroxyzine. Increase monitoring of signs/symptoms of CNS depression in any patient receiving hydroxyzine together with another CNS depressant. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Iobenguane Radiopharmaceutical Products: Alpha1-Agonists may diminish the therapeutic effect of Iobenguane Radiopharmaceutical Products. Management: Discontinue all drugs that may inhibit or interfere with catecholamine transport or uptake for at least 5 biological half-lives before iobenguane administration. Do not administer these drugs until at least 7 days after each iobenguane dose. Risk X: Avoid combination
Ipratropium (Nasal): May enhance the anticholinergic effect of Agents with Clinically Relevant Anticholinergic Effects. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Ipratropium (Oral Inhalation): May enhance the anticholinergic effect of Agents with Clinically Relevant Anticholinergic Effects. Risk X: Avoid combination
Itopride: Agents with Clinically Relevant Anticholinergic Effects may diminish the therapeutic effect of Itopride. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Ixabepilone: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Kava Kava: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Kratom: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk X: Avoid combination
Kratom: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Sympathomimetics. Risk X: Avoid combination
Lemborexant: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Management: Dosage adjustments of lemborexant and of concomitant CNS depressants may be necessary when administered together because of potentially additive CNS depressant effects. Close monitoring for CNS depressant effects is necessary. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Levosulpiride: Agents with Clinically Relevant Anticholinergic Effects may diminish the therapeutic effect of Levosulpiride. Risk X: Avoid combination
Levothyroxine: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Sympathomimetics. Specifically, the risk of coronary insufficiency may be increased in patients with coronary artery disease. Levothyroxine may enhance the therapeutic effect of Sympathomimetics. Sympathomimetics may enhance the therapeutic effect of Levothyroxine. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Linezolid: May enhance the hypertensive effect of Sympathomimetics. Management: Consider initial dose reductions of sympathomimetic agents, and closely monitor for enhanced blood pressure elevations, in patients receiving linezolid. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Lisuride: May enhance the hypertensive effect of Alpha1-Agonists. Risk X: Avoid combination
Lofexidine: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Loxapine: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Loxapine. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Magnesium Sulfate: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Methotrimeprazine: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Methotrimeprazine. Methotrimeprazine may enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Management: Reduce the usual dose of CNS depressants by 50% if starting methotrimeprazine until the dose of methotrimeprazine is stable. Monitor patient closely for evidence of CNS depression. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Methoxsalen (Systemic): Photosensitizing Agents may enhance the photosensitizing effect of Methoxsalen (Systemic). Risk C: Monitor therapy
Metoclopramide: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Promethazine. Risk X: Avoid combination
MetyroSINE: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Promethazine. Specifically, the risk for extrapyramidal symptoms and excessive sedation may be increased. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Mianserin: May enhance the anticholinergic effect of Agents with Clinically Relevant Anticholinergic Effects. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Minocycline (Systemic): May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Mirabegron: Agents with Clinically Relevant Anticholinergic Effects may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Mirabegron. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors: May enhance the hypertensive effect of Alpha1-Agonists. While linezolid is expected to interact via this mechanism, management recommendations differ from other monoamine oxidase inhibitors. Refer to linezolid specific monographs for details. Risk X: Avoid combination
Nabilone: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk X: Avoid combination
Nitroglycerin: Agents with Clinically Relevant Anticholinergic Effects may decrease the absorption of Nitroglycerin. Specifically, anticholinergic agents may decrease the dissolution of sublingual nitroglycerin tablets, possibly impairing or slowing nitroglycerin absorption. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Olopatadine (Nasal): May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk X: Avoid combination
Opioid Agonists: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Opioid Agonists. Management: Avoid concomitant use of opioid agonists and benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants when possible. These agents should only be combined if alternative treatment options are inadequate. If combined, limit the dosages and duration of each drug. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Orphenadrine: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Orphenadrine. Risk X: Avoid combination
Oxatomide: May enhance the anticholinergic effect of Agents with Clinically Relevant Anticholinergic Effects. Risk X: Avoid combination
Oxomemazine: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk X: Avoid combination
Oxybate Salt Products: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Oxybate Salt Products. Management: Consider alternatives to this combination when possible. If combined, dose reduction or discontinuation of one or more CNS depressants (including the oxybate salt product) should be considered. Interrupt oxybate salt treatment during short-term opioid use Risk D: Consider therapy modification
OxyCODONE: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of OxyCODONE. Management: Avoid concomitant use of oxycodone and benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants when possible. These agents should only be combined if alternative treatment options are inadequate. If combined, limit the dosages and duration of each drug. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Ozanimod: May enhance the hypertensive effect of Sympathomimetics. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Paraldehyde: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Paraldehyde. Risk X: Avoid combination
Perampanel: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Pergolide: May enhance the hypertensive effect of Alpha1-Agonists. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Piribedil: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Piribedil. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Pitolisant: Promethazine may diminish the therapeutic effect of Pitolisant. Risk X: Avoid combination
Porfimer: Photosensitizing Agents may enhance the photosensitizing effect of Porfimer. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Potassium Chloride: Agents with Clinically Relevant Anticholinergic Effects may enhance the ulcerogenic effect of Potassium Chloride. Management: Patients on drugs with substantial anticholinergic effects should avoid using any solid oral dosage form of potassium chloride. Risk X: Avoid combination
Potassium Citrate: Agents with Clinically Relevant Anticholinergic Effects may enhance the ulcerogenic effect of Potassium Citrate. Management: Patients on drugs with substantial anticholinergic effects should avoid using any solid oral dosage form of potassium citrate. Risk X: Avoid combination
Pramipexole: CNS Depressants may enhance the sedative effect of Pramipexole. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Pramlintide: May enhance the anticholinergic effect of Agents with Clinically Relevant Anticholinergic Effects. These effects are specific to the GI tract. Risk X: Avoid combination
Procarbazine: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Propacetamol: May increase the serum concentration of Phenylephrine (Systemic). Management: Monitor patients closely for increased side effects of phenylephrine if propacetamol is used concomitantly. Patients with underlying blood pressure issues or arrhythmias may need closer monitoring and may warrant consideration of alternative therapies. Risk C: Monitor therapy
QuiNIDine: May enhance the anticholinergic effect of Agents with Clinically Relevant Anticholinergic Effects. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Ramosetron: Agents with Clinically Relevant Anticholinergic Effects may enhance the constipating effect of Ramosetron. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Revefenacin: Agents with Clinically Relevant Anticholinergic Effects may enhance the anticholinergic effect of Revefenacin. Risk X: Avoid combination
Rivastigmine: Agents with Clinically Relevant Anticholinergic Effects may diminish the therapeutic effect of Rivastigmine. Rivastigmine may diminish the therapeutic effect of Agents with Clinically Relevant Anticholinergic Effects. Management: Use of rivastigmine with an anticholinergic agent is not recommended unless clinically necessary. If the combination is necessary, monitor for reduced anticholinergic effects. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Ropeginterferon Alfa-2b: CNS Depressants may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Ropeginterferon Alfa-2b. Specifically, the risk of neuropsychiatric adverse effects may be increased. Management: Avoid coadministration of ropeginterferon alfa-2b and other CNS depressants. If this combination cannot be avoided, monitor patients for neuropsychiatric adverse effects (eg, depression, suicidal ideation, aggression, mania). Risk D: Consider therapy modification
ROPINIRole: CNS Depressants may enhance the sedative effect of ROPINIRole. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Rotigotine: CNS Depressants may enhance the sedative effect of Rotigotine. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Rufinamide: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of CNS Depressants. Specifically, sleepiness and dizziness may be enhanced. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Secretin: Agents with Clinically Relevant Anticholinergic Effects may diminish the therapeutic effect of Secretin. Management: Avoid concomitant use of anticholinergic agents and secretin. Discontinue anticholinergic agents at least 5 half-lives prior to administration of secretin. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Solriamfetol: Sympathomimetics may enhance the hypertensive effect of Solriamfetol. Sympathomimetics may enhance the tachycardic effect of Solriamfetol. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Suvorexant: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Suvorexant. Management: Dose reduction of suvorexant and/or any other CNS depressant may be necessary. Use of suvorexant with alcohol is not recommended, and the use of suvorexant with any other drug to treat insomnia is not recommended. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Sympathomimetics: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of other Sympathomimetics. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Tedizolid: May enhance the hypertensive effect of Sympathomimetics. Tedizolid may enhance the tachycardic effect of Sympathomimetics. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Thalidomide: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Thalidomide. Risk X: Avoid combination
Thiazide and Thiazide-Like Diuretics: Agents with Clinically Relevant Anticholinergic Effects may increase the serum concentration of Thiazide and Thiazide-Like Diuretics. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Tiotropium: Agents with Clinically Relevant Anticholinergic Effects may enhance the anticholinergic effect of Tiotropium. Risk X: Avoid combination
Topiramate: Agents with Clinically Relevant Anticholinergic Effects may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Topiramate. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Tranylcypromine: May enhance the anticholinergic effect of Antihistamines, First Generation. Risk X: Avoid combination
Tricyclic Antidepressants: May enhance the therapeutic effect of Alpha1-Agonists. Tricyclic Antidepressants may diminish the therapeutic effect of Alpha1-Agonists. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Trimeprazine: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Umeclidinium: May enhance the anticholinergic effect of Agents with Clinically Relevant Anticholinergic Effects. Risk X: Avoid combination
Valerian: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Verteporfin: Photosensitizing Agents may enhance the photosensitizing effect of Verteporfin. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Zolpidem: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Zolpidem. Management: Reduce the Intermezzo brand sublingual zolpidem adult dose to 1.75 mg for men who are also receiving other CNS depressants. No such dose change is recommended for women. Avoid use with other CNS depressants at bedtime; avoid use with alcohol. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Zuranolone: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Management: Consider alternatives to the use of zuranolone with other CNS depressants or alcohol. If combined, consider a zuranolone dose reduction and monitor patients closely for increased CNS depressant effects. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Increase dietary intake of riboflavin.
Refer to individual monographs.
See individual agents.
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