Drug interactions
Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen + Nicardipine
Severity: Moderate
Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen and Nicardipine: 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 a prodrug of hydrocodone, which is metabolized by CYP3A4. Nicardipine can inhibit CYP3A4 and may increase hydrocodone levels, raising the risk of sedation and respiratory depression. Nicardipine is a weaker inhibitor than agents such as ketoconazole or clarithromycin.
What this interaction means in plain words
Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen and Nicardipine 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
Inhibition of CYP3A4-mediated hydrocodone clearance by nicardipine.
What to do
Monitor for sedation and respiratory depression when nicardipine is started, and reduce the opioid dose if needed. Watch for opioid withdrawal if nicardipine is stopped.
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 Nicardipine
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen with Nicardipine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen and Nicardipine 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 a prodrug of hydrocodone, which is metabolized by CYP3A4. Nicardipine can inhibit CYP3A4 and may increase hydrocodone levels, raising the risk of sedation and respiratory depression. Nicardipine is a weaker inhibitor than agents such as ketoconazole or clarithromycin.
How serious is the interaction between Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen and Nicardipine?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor for sedation and respiratory depression when nicardipine is started, and reduce the opioid dose if needed. Watch for opioid withdrawal if nicardipine is stopped.
What other medicines interact with Nicardipine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Nicardipine with, for example, Amifostine, Amlodipine-olmesartan-hydrochlorothiazide, Betrixaban. The full list is on the Nicardipine page.
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