Drug interactions
Amobarbital + Hydromorphone
Severity: Major
Amobarbital and Hydromorphone: 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 and opioids together produce marked additive CNS and respiratory depression, which can lead to coma and death. The risk is greatest at higher doses and in frail patients.
What this interaction means in plain words
Amobarbital and Hydromorphone 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; Hydromorphone belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depression via opioid receptor agonism and barbiturate GABA-A potentiation.
What to do
Avoid the combination if possible, or use the lowest effective doses for the shortest time. Monitor respiratory rate, oxygen saturation and consciousness 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 Hydromorphone
- Alvimopan + Hydromorphone Contraindicated
- Bupropion-naltrexone + Hydromorphone Contraindicated
- Hydromorphone + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Hydromorphone + Olanzapine / samidorphan Contraindicated
- Hydromorphone + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Hydromorphone + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
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 Hydromorphone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Amobarbital and Hydromorphone 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 and opioids together produce marked additive CNS and respiratory depression, which can lead to coma and death. The risk is greatest at higher doses and in frail patients.
How serious is the interaction between Amobarbital and Hydromorphone?
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 the combination if possible, or use the lowest effective doses for the shortest time. Monitor respiratory rate, oxygen saturation and consciousness closely.
What other medicines interact with Hydromorphone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Hydromorphone with, for example, Alvimopan, Bupropion-naltrexone, Isocarboxazid. The full list is on the Hydromorphone page.
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