Drug interactions
Amobarbital + Meperidine
Severity: Major
Amobarbital and Meperidine: 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 both depress the CNS and respiration, and their combination can cause deep sedation or respiratory failure. Barbiturates also induce hepatic enzymes, which increases formation of the neurotoxic metabolite normeperidine and may raise the risk of seizures.
What this interaction means in plain words
Amobarbital and Meperidine 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; Meperidine belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive CNS and respiratory depression, and enzyme induction by amobarbital increasing conversion of meperidine to normeperidine.
What to do
Avoid the combination if possible, or reduce doses and monitor respiratory status and sedation closely. Use an alternative opioid that lacks a neurotoxic metabolite if prolonged therapy is needed.
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 Meperidine
- Alvimopan + Meperidine Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Meperidine Contraindicated
- Meperidine + Methylene blue Contraindicated
- Meperidine + Olanzapine / samidorphan Contraindicated
- Meperidine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Meperidine + Procarbazine 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 Meperidine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Amobarbital and Meperidine 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 both depress the CNS and respiration, and their combination can cause deep sedation or respiratory failure. Barbiturates also induce hepatic enzymes, which increases formation of the neurotoxic metabolite normeperidine and may raise the risk of seizures.
How serious is the interaction between Amobarbital and Meperidine?
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 reduce doses and monitor respiratory status and sedation closely. Use an alternative opioid that lacks a neurotoxic metabolite if prolonged therapy is needed.
What other medicines interact with Meperidine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Meperidine with, for example, Alvimopan, Isocarboxazid, Methylene blue. The full list is on the Meperidine page.
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