Drug interactions
Amobarbital + Diamorphine
Severity: Major
Amobarbital and Diamorphine: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: Health Canada product monograph
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
Concurrent use of a barbiturate and diamorphine (heroin) causes additive sedation and respiratory depression. This may lead to profound sedation, respiratory failure, coma or death.
What this interaction means in plain words
Amobarbital and Diamorphine can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Why it happens
Additive CNS and respiratory depression via GABA-A potentiation and mu-opioid receptor agonism.
What to do
Avoid concurrent use unless essential; if used, start with reduced doses and monitor sedation and respiratory rate closely.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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References
Other interactions of Amobarbital
- Amobarbital + Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates Contraindicated
- Amobarbital + Doravirine Contraindicated
- Amobarbital + Elbasvir / grazoprevir Contraindicated
- Amobarbital + Isavuconazonium Contraindicated
- Amobarbital + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Amobarbital + Lonafarnib Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Amobarbital with Diamorphine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Amobarbital and Diamorphine can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Concurrent use of a barbiturate and diamorphine (heroin) causes additive sedation and respiratory depression. This may lead to profound sedation, respiratory failure, coma or death.
How serious is the interaction between Amobarbital and Diamorphine?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid concurrent use unless essential; if used, start with reduced doses and monitor sedation and respiratory rate closely.
What other medicines interact with Amobarbital?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Amobarbital with, for example, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Doravirine, Elbasvir / grazoprevir. The full list is on the Amobarbital page.
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