Drug interactions
Amobarbital + Hydrocodone
Severity: Major
Amobarbital and Hydrocodone: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
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
Barbiturates combined with opioids can produce profound sedation, respiratory depression and death. Amobarbital also induces CYP3A4, which can lower hydrocodone concentrations and reduce analgesia, and stopping it later may cause hydrocodone levels to rise.
What this interaction means in plain words
Amobarbital and Hydrocodone 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.
Amobarbital belongs to Central Nervous System; Hydrocodone belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depression plus CYP3A4 induction by amobarbital increasing hydrocodone metabolism.
What to do
Avoid if possible; otherwise use the lowest doses and monitor sedation, respiratory rate and pain control. Reassess the hydrocodone dose when the barbiturate is started or stopped.
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 Hydrocodone
- Alvimopan + Hydrocodone Contraindicated
- Bupropion-naltrexone + Hydrocodone Contraindicated
- Hydrocodone + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Hydrocodone + Olanzapine / samidorphan Contraindicated
- Hydrocodone + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Hydrocodone Major
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 Hydrocodone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Amobarbital and Hydrocodone 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. Barbiturates combined with opioids can produce profound sedation, respiratory depression and death. Amobarbital also induces CYP3A4, which can lower hydrocodone concentrations and reduce analgesia, and stopping it later may cause hydrocodone levels to rise.
How serious is the interaction between Amobarbital and Hydrocodone?
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 if possible; otherwise use the lowest doses and monitor sedation, respiratory rate and pain control. Reassess the hydrocodone dose when the barbiturate is started or stopped.
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.
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