Drug interactions
Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen + Rizatriptan
Severity: Moderate
Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen and Rizatriptan: 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, an opioid with weak serotonergic activity. Combined with a triptan, there are rare reports of serotonin syndrome, which may present with agitation, tremor, hyperthermia and autonomic instability.
What this interaction means in plain words
Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen and Rizatriptan 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 serotonergic effects at the pharmacodynamic level from the opioid and the 5-HT1B/1D agonist.
What to do
If both are needed, monitor for serotonin syndrome, especially at initiation and after dose increases. Stop one or both agents if neuromuscular or autonomic signs appear.
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 Rizatriptan
- Almotriptan + Rizatriptan Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine intranasal + Rizatriptan Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine + Rizatriptan Contraindicated
- Eletriptan + Rizatriptan Contraindicated
- Ergoloid mesylates + Rizatriptan Contraindicated
- Ergotamine + Rizatriptan Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen with Rizatriptan?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen and Rizatriptan 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, an opioid with weak serotonergic activity. Combined with a triptan, there are rare reports of serotonin syndrome, which may present with agitation, tremor, hyperthermia and autonomic instability.
How serious is the interaction between Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen and Rizatriptan?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: If both are needed, monitor for serotonin syndrome, especially at initiation and after dose increases. Stop one or both agents if neuromuscular or autonomic signs appear.
What other medicines interact with Rizatriptan?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Rizatriptan with, for example, Almotriptan, Dihydroergotamine intranasal, Dihydroergotamine. The full list is on the Rizatriptan page.
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