Drug interactions
Baclofen + Diamorphine
Severity: Major
Baclofen and Diamorphine: 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
Diamorphine (heroin) combined with baclofen can cause deep sedation, respiratory depression, coma and death. The risk is greatest at initiation and with higher doses.
What this interaction means in plain words
Baclofen and Diamorphine 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.
Why it happens
Additive CNS and respiratory depression from opioid agonism and GABA-B agonism.
What to do
Use the lowest effective doses and monitor respiratory rate and sedation closely. Avoid other CNS depressants and counsel patients and caregivers about warning signs.
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 Baclofen
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Baclofen with Diamorphine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Baclofen and Diamorphine 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. Diamorphine (heroin) combined with baclofen can cause deep sedation, respiratory depression, coma and death. The risk is greatest at initiation and with higher doses.
How serious is the interaction between Baclofen and Diamorphine?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Use the lowest effective doses and monitor respiratory rate and sedation closely. Avoid other CNS depressants and counsel patients and caregivers about warning signs.
What other medicines interact with Baclofen?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Baclofen with, for example, Alfentanil, Amobarbital, Belladonna and opium. The full list is on the Baclofen page.
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