Drug interactions
Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen + Chlorpromazine
Severity: Major
Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen and Chlorpromazine: 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
Combining an opioid with a sedating phenothiazine can cause profound sedation, respiratory depression, hypotension, coma and death. The risk is greatest at higher doses and in opioid-naive or frail patients.
What this interaction means in plain words
Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen and Chlorpromazine 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 central nervous system and respiratory depression, with added alpha-adrenergic related hypotension.
What to do
Reserve co-prescribing for patients without adequate alternatives, using the lowest doses and shortest duration. Monitor closely for sedation, respiratory depression and hypotension.
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 Chlorpromazine
- Chlorpromazine + Dofetilide Contraindicated
- Chlorpromazine + Dronedarone Contraindicated
- Chlorpromazine + Droperidol Contraindicated
- Chlorpromazine + Ibutilide Contraindicated
- Chlorpromazine + Metrizamide Contraindicated
- Chlorpromazine + Panobinostat Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen with Chlorpromazine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen and Chlorpromazine 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. Combining an opioid with a sedating phenothiazine can cause profound sedation, respiratory depression, hypotension, coma and death. The risk is greatest at higher doses and in opioid-naive or frail patients.
How serious is the interaction between Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen and Chlorpromazine?
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 co-prescribing for patients without adequate alternatives, using the lowest doses and shortest duration. Monitor closely for sedation, respiratory depression and hypotension.
What other medicines interact with Chlorpromazine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Chlorpromazine with, for example, Dofetilide, Dronedarone, Droperidol. The full list is on the Chlorpromazine page.
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