Drug interactions
Amobarbital + Oxazepam
Severity: Major
Amobarbital and Oxazepam: major 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
Barbiturates and benzodiazepines together produce profound additive CNS and respiratory depression. Risk includes excessive sedation, hypotension, coma and death, particularly with parenteral amobarbital.
What this interaction means in plain words
Amobarbital and Oxazepam 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; Oxazepam belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Both enhance GABA-A receptor activity at different sites, producing additive CNS and respiratory depression.
What to do
Avoid combining where possible; if required, reduce doses and monitor respiratory rate, oxygen saturation and level of 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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Other interactions of Oxazepam
- Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Oxazepam Contraindicated
- Oxazepam + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Oxazepam Major
- Baclofen + Oxazepam Major
- Belladonna and opium + Oxazepam Major
- Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen + Oxazepam 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 Oxazepam?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Amobarbital and Oxazepam 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 benzodiazepines together produce profound additive CNS and respiratory depression. Risk includes excessive sedation, hypotension, coma and death, particularly with parenteral amobarbital.
How serious is the interaction between Amobarbital and Oxazepam?
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 combining where possible; if required, reduce doses and monitor respiratory rate, oxygen saturation and level of consciousness closely.
What other medicines interact with Oxazepam?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Oxazepam with, for example, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Sodium oxybate, Alfentanil. The full list is on the Oxazepam page.
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