Drug interactions
Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen + Valproic acid
Severity: Moderate
Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen and Valproic acid: 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 an opioid prodrug of hydrocodone, and valproic acid also has CNS depressant effects. Taken together they can produce additive drowsiness, slowed psychomotor performance and, in susceptible patients, respiratory depression.
What this interaction means in plain words
Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen and Valproic acid 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 central nervous system depression from opioid agonism and valproate.
What to do
Start the opioid at the lowest effective dose and monitor for excessive sedation and respiratory depression, especially during initiation or dose increases. Counsel patients to avoid driving and other alcohol or sedative use.
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 Valproic acid
- Ertapenem + Valproic acid Contraindicated
- Imipenem / cilastatin / relebactam + Valproic acid Contraindicated
- Imipenem / cilastatin + Valproic acid Contraindicated
- Meropenem / vaborbactam + Valproic acid Contraindicated
- Meropenem + Valproic acid Contraindicated
- Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Valproic acid Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen with Valproic acid?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen and Valproic acid 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 an opioid prodrug of hydrocodone, and valproic acid also has CNS depressant effects. Taken together they can produce additive drowsiness, slowed psychomotor performance and, in susceptible patients, respiratory depression.
How serious is the interaction between Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen and Valproic acid?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Start the opioid at the lowest effective dose and monitor for excessive sedation and respiratory depression, especially during initiation or dose increases. Counsel patients to avoid driving and other alcohol or sedative use.
What other medicines interact with Valproic acid?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Valproic acid with, for example, Ertapenem, Imipenem / cilastatin / relebactam, Imipenem / cilastatin. The full list is on the Valproic acid page.
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