Drug interactions
Belladonna and opium + Chloral hydrate
Severity: Major
Belladonna and opium and Chloral hydrate: 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
The opium component is an opioid and combined with chloral hydrate can cause additive sedation and respiratory depression. The belladonna alkaloids add anticholinergic effects such as confusion in susceptible patients.
What this interaction means in plain words
Belladonna and opium and Chloral hydrate 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 and sedative-hypnotic activity.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible, or use the lowest doses and monitor respiratory rate and sedation closely. Warn patients and caregivers about signs of overdose.
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 Chloral hydrate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Belladonna and opium with Chloral hydrate?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Belladonna and opium and Chloral hydrate 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. The opium component is an opioid and combined with chloral hydrate can cause additive sedation and respiratory depression. The belladonna alkaloids add anticholinergic effects such as confusion in susceptible patients.
How serious is the interaction between Belladonna and opium and Chloral hydrate?
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 where possible, or use the lowest doses and monitor respiratory rate and sedation closely. Warn patients and caregivers about signs of overdose.
What other medicines interact with Chloral hydrate?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Chloral hydrate with, for example, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Sodium oxybate, Alfentanil. The full list is on the Chloral hydrate page.
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