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Drug interactions

Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen + Oxazepam

Severity: Major

Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen and Oxazepam: 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 a benzodiazepine with an opioid causes additive CNS and respiratory depression. This can produce profound sedation, respiratory failure, coma, and death.

What this interaction means in plain words

Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen and Oxazepam 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.

Evidence level: High

Why it happens

Additive pharmacodynamic CNS and respiratory depression via GABA-A potentiation and opioid receptor agonism.

What to do

Reserve combined use for patients without adequate alternatives, using the lowest doses and shortest duration. Monitor 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?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen with Oxazepam?

MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen and Oxazepam 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 a benzodiazepine with an opioid causes additive CNS and respiratory depression. This can produce profound sedation, respiratory failure, coma, and death.

How serious is the interaction between Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen and Oxazepam?

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 without adequate alternatives, using the lowest doses and shortest duration. Monitor for sedation and respiratory depression.

What other medicines interact with Oxazepam?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Oxazepam with, for example, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Sodium oxybate, Alfentanil. The full list is on the Oxazepam page.

Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app

Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.

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