Drug interactions
Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen + Chloral hydrate
Severity: Major
Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen 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
Chloral hydrate combined with an opioid can cause profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma and death. The risk rises with higher doses and longer durations.
What this interaction means in plain words
Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen 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 sedative-hypnotic and opioid effects.
What to do
Reserve combined use for patients with no adequate alternatives, using the lowest doses and shortest duration. Monitor closely for sedation and respiratory depression.
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
- Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Chloral hydrate Contraindicated
- Chloral hydrate + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Chloral hydrate Major
- Alprazolam + Chloral hydrate Major
- Amobarbital + Chloral hydrate Major
- Belladonna and opium + Chloral hydrate Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen with Chloral hydrate?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen 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. Chloral hydrate combined with an opioid can cause profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma and death. The risk rises with higher doses and longer durations.
How serious is the interaction between Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen 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: Reserve combined use for patients with no adequate alternatives, using the lowest doses and shortest duration. Monitor closely for sedation and respiratory depression.
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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