Drug interactions
Brexanolone + Chloral hydrate
Severity: Major
Brexanolone and Chloral hydrate: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: UK SmPC
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
Brexanolone causes excessive sedation and sudden loss of consciousness in some patients, and other CNS depressants may increase this risk. Chloral hydrate could add to these effects during the infusion.
What this interaction means in plain words
Brexanolone and Chloral hydrate 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 depression; brexanolone is a positive GABA-A receptor modulator.
What to do
Avoid chloral hydrate during brexanolone infusion if possible, and continuously monitor oxygen saturation and sedation. Reduce or interrupt the infusion if excessive sedation occurs.
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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References
Other interactions of Chloral hydrate
- Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Chloral hydrate Contraindicated
- Chloral hydrate + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Chloral hydrate Major
- Alprazolam + Chloral hydrate Major
- Amobarbital + Chloral hydrate Major
- Belladonna and opium + Chloral hydrate Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Brexanolone with Chloral hydrate?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Brexanolone and Chloral hydrate 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. Brexanolone causes excessive sedation and sudden loss of consciousness in some patients, and other CNS depressants may increase this risk. Chloral hydrate could add to these effects during the infusion.
How serious is the interaction between Brexanolone and Chloral hydrate?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid chloral hydrate during brexanolone infusion if possible, and continuously monitor oxygen saturation and sedation. Reduce or interrupt the infusion if excessive sedation occurs.
What other medicines interact with Chloral hydrate?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Chloral hydrate with, for example, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Sodium oxybate, Alfentanil. The full list is on the Chloral hydrate page.
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