Drug interactions
Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen + Cetirizine
Severity: Moderate
Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen and Cetirizine: moderate 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
Benzhydrocodone is an opioid prodrug of hydrocodone, and opioids combined with sedating antihistamines can add to drowsiness and, less commonly, respiratory depression. Cetirizine is less sedating than older antihistamines, so the effect is usually modest.
What this interaction means in plain words
Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen and Cetirizine can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depression from opioid mu-receptor agonism and H1 antagonism.
What to do
Use the lowest effective opioid dose and monitor for sedation and slowed breathing, especially when starting therapy or raising doses. Counsel patients against alcohol and driving.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Cetirizine
- Acrivastine + Cetirizine Moderate
- Amisulpride + Cetirizine Moderate
- Asenapine + Cetirizine Moderate
- Avapritinib + Cetirizine Moderate
- Brexpiprazole + Cetirizine Moderate
- Brivaracetam + Cetirizine Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen with Cetirizine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen and Cetirizine can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Benzhydrocodone is an opioid prodrug of hydrocodone, and opioids combined with sedating antihistamines can add to drowsiness and, less commonly, respiratory depression. Cetirizine is less sedating than older antihistamines, so the effect is usually modest.
How serious is the interaction between Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen and Cetirizine?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Use the lowest effective opioid dose and monitor for sedation and slowed breathing, especially when starting therapy or raising doses. Counsel patients against alcohol and driving.
What other medicines interact with Cetirizine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Cetirizine with, for example, Acrivastine, Amisulpride, Asenapine. The full list is on the Cetirizine page.
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