Drug interactions
Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen + Secobarbital
Severity: Major
Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen and Secobarbital: 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 barbiturate with an opioid produces additive central nervous system and respiratory depression, which can lead to profound sedation, coma and death. Secobarbital may also induce CYP3A4 and change hydrocodone exposure.
What this interaction means in plain words
Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen and Secobarbital 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 opioid receptor agonism and barbiturate GABA-A potentiation.
What to do
Reserve concurrent use for patients without 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 Secobarbital
- Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Secobarbital Contraindicated
- Doravirine + Secobarbital Contraindicated
- Elbasvir / grazoprevir + Secobarbital Contraindicated
- Elvitegravir / cobicistat / emtricitabine / tenofovir df + Secobarbital Contraindicated
- Isavuconazonium + Secobarbital Contraindicated
- Lonafarnib + Secobarbital Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen with Secobarbital?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen and Secobarbital 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 barbiturate with an opioid produces additive central nervous system and respiratory depression, which can lead to profound sedation, coma and death. Secobarbital may also induce CYP3A4 and change hydrocodone exposure.
How serious is the interaction between Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen and Secobarbital?
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 concurrent use for patients without adequate alternatives, using the lowest doses and shortest duration. Monitor closely for sedation and respiratory depression.
What other medicines interact with Secobarbital?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Secobarbital with, for example, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Doravirine, Elbasvir / grazoprevir. The full list is on the Secobarbital page.
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