Codeine and Antihistamines

[Tortoise]

Swim usually takes 50mg of dimenhydrinate (Generation I or 'drowsy' antihistamine) half an hour before using codeine to reduce the itchiness that he would otherwise get. This has worked well for him so far, but he'd like to know if it's safe to use a generation II Antihistamine instead (a non-drowsy antihistamine) such as loratadine.

In theory it shouldn't cause any complications but he remembers reading from another internet source (with very questionable reliability) that one should not mix codeine with non-drowsy antihistamines. Is this true? And also, would a non-drowsy antihistamine be any less effective?

Thanks

[SuprSonik]

SWIM finds that the sedation caused by some antihistamines like diphenhydramine and promethazine is actually desirable and enhances the feel of the codeine. SWIM doesn't see why you'd want to use a non-drowsy antihistamine, but doesn't see why there would be a problem.

[Tortoise]

Swim wants to use a non-drowsy antihistamine because he has a box-full at home and doesn't always want extra sedation.

[Ethyl]

Toirtoise: haven't you noticed any enzyme interactions?

http://www.drugs-forum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=35617

[donzen]

SWIM always uses 100mg Diphenhydramin from sleeping tabs called vivinox
with 400mgs of codeine and if there is no more Diphen in the house then Citerizin and theophillin is used as treatment against the hystamines.

just my opinion

[darkglobe]

@Tortoise: SWIY will be fine with 50mg Dimenhydrinate and Codeine. Obviously one would be increasing the risks when throwing more substances into the mix, SWIM has used this combo himself, and based solely on personal experiences, says it's fine.

Also, if the website of "questionable reliability" happens to be www.opioids.com, then you're right - a lot of the stuff on there is total crap.