Drug interactions
Amitriptyline + Chloral hydrate
Severity: Moderate
Amitriptyline and Chloral hydrate: 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
Chloral hydrate and amitriptyline both depress the CNS, so together they increase sedation and impaired psychomotor performance. Tricyclic anticholinergic and cardiac effects may also add to risk in vulnerable patients.
What this interaction means in plain words
Amitriptyline and Chloral hydrate 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.
Amitriptyline belongs to Central Nervous System; Chloral hydrate belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depressant effects.
What to do
Use the lowest effective doses and monitor sedation and respiratory status, especially in elderly patients. Counsel patients to avoid driving and alcohol.
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 Chloral hydrate
- Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Chloral hydrate Contraindicated
- Chloral hydrate + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Chloral hydrate Major
- Alprazolam + Chloral hydrate Major
- Amobarbital + Chloral hydrate Major
- Belladonna and opium + Chloral hydrate Major
Other interactions of Amitriptyline
- Amitriptyline + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Methylene blue Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Procarbazine Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Safinamide Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Amitriptyline with Chloral hydrate?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Amitriptyline and Chloral hydrate 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. Chloral hydrate and amitriptyline both depress the CNS, so together they increase sedation and impaired psychomotor performance. Tricyclic anticholinergic and cardiac effects may also add to risk in vulnerable patients.
How serious is the interaction between Amitriptyline and Chloral hydrate?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Use the lowest effective doses and monitor sedation and respiratory status, especially in elderly patients. Counsel patients to avoid driving and alcohol.
What other medicines interact with Chloral hydrate?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Chloral hydrate with, for example, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Sodium oxybate, Alfentanil. The full list is on the Chloral hydrate page.
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