Drug interactions
Baclofen + Opium tincture
Severity: Major
Baclofen and Opium tincture: 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
Opium tincture contains morphine, so with baclofen there is a risk of profound sedation, respiratory depression, hypotension and coma. Dosing errors with the concentrated tincture increase the danger.
What this interaction means in plain words
Baclofen and Opium tincture 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 mu-opioid agonism and GABA-B agonism.
What to do
Use the lowest effective doses for the shortest time, verify the tincture dose carefully, and monitor respiratory rate and sedation. Counsel patients and carers to avoid alcohol and other sedatives.
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 Opium tincture?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Baclofen and Opium tincture 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. Opium tincture contains morphine, so with baclofen there is a risk of profound sedation, respiratory depression, hypotension and coma. Dosing errors with the concentrated tincture increase the danger.
How serious is the interaction between Baclofen and Opium tincture?
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 for the shortest time, verify the tincture dose carefully, and monitor respiratory rate and sedation. Counsel patients and carers to avoid alcohol and other sedatives.
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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