Drug interactions
Amiodarone + Hydrocodone
Severity: Moderate
Amiodarone and Hydrocodone: 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
Hydrocodone is metabolized by CYP3A4 and CYP2D6, and amiodarone inhibits both enzymes. Exposure to hydrocodone may rise, increasing the risk of sedation and respiratory depression, although a reduction in conversion to hydromorphone may offset analgesia.
What this interaction means in plain words
Amiodarone and Hydrocodone 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.
Amiodarone belongs to Cardiovascular; Hydrocodone belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Amiodarone inhibits CYP3A4 and CYP2D6, reducing hydrocodone clearance.
What to do
Start with lower hydrocodone doses and monitor for sedation and respiratory depression. Adjust the dose according to response and adverse effects.
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?
Pro+ members
Unlock the full page
Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Amiodarone and Hydrocodone, the additional notes, the evidence detail and the whole-prescription interaction checker.
- Full clinical management advice
- Additional notes
- Evidence detail
- Interaction checker for a whole prescription
Try Pro+ free for 14 days on the web. No card needed.
Other interactions of Hydrocodone
- Alvimopan + Hydrocodone Contraindicated
- Bupropion-naltrexone + Hydrocodone Contraindicated
- Hydrocodone + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Hydrocodone + Olanzapine / samidorphan Contraindicated
- Hydrocodone + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Hydrocodone Major
Other interactions of Amiodarone
- Amiodarone + Amisulpride Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Arsenic trioxide Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Dofetilide Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Dronedarone Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Droperidol Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Eliglustat Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Amiodarone with Hydrocodone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Amiodarone and Hydrocodone 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. Hydrocodone is metabolized by CYP3A4 and CYP2D6, and amiodarone inhibits both enzymes. Exposure to hydrocodone may rise, increasing the risk of sedation and respiratory depression, although a reduction in conversion to hydromorphone may offset analgesia.
How serious is the interaction between Amiodarone and Hydrocodone?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Start with lower hydrocodone doses and monitor for sedation and respiratory depression. Adjust the dose according to response and adverse effects.
What other medicines interact with Hydrocodone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Hydrocodone with, for example, Alvimopan, Bupropion-naltrexone, Isocarboxazid. The full list is on the Hydrocodone page.
Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app
Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.
