Drug interactions
Azelastine + Sodium oxybate
Severity: Major
Azelastine and Sodium oxybate: 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
Sodium oxybate causes profound CNS and respiratory depression, and other sedating agents add to this effect. Azelastine can cause somnolence and may worsen sedation and impaired alertness when used with sodium oxybate.
What this interaction means in plain words
Azelastine and Sodium oxybate 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.
Azelastine belongs to Respiratory; Sodium oxybate belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive central nervous system depressant effects.
What to do
Avoid combining where possible and choose a non-sedating alternative such as an intranasal corticosteroid. If used together, monitor for excess sedation and respiratory depression and consider reducing the oxybate dose.
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 Azelastine
- Azelastine + Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates Major
- Azelastine + Methadone Major
- Alfentanil + Azelastine Moderate
- Alprazolam + Azelastine Moderate
- Amitriptyline + Azelastine Moderate
- Amobarbital + Azelastine Moderate
Other interactions of Sodium oxybate
- Alprazolam + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
- Amobarbital + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
- Butorphanol + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
- Chloral hydrate + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
- Clonazepam + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
- Clorazepate + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Azelastine with Sodium oxybate?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Azelastine and Sodium oxybate 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. Sodium oxybate causes profound CNS and respiratory depression, and other sedating agents add to this effect. Azelastine can cause somnolence and may worsen sedation and impaired alertness when used with sodium oxybate.
How serious is the interaction between Azelastine and Sodium oxybate?
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 and choose a non-sedating alternative such as an intranasal corticosteroid. If used together, monitor for excess sedation and respiratory depression and consider reducing the oxybate dose.
What other medicines interact with Azelastine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Azelastine with, for example, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Methadone, Alfentanil. The full list is on the Azelastine page.
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