Drug interactions
Brimonidine + Hydrocodone
Severity: Minor
Brimonidine and Hydrocodone: minor 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
Brimonidine, an alpha-2 agonist, can cause drowsiness, and systemic absorption from eye drops is small. Additive sedation with hydrocodone is possible but probably limited with ophthalmic use.
What this interaction means in plain words
Brimonidine and Hydrocodone have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Brimonidine belongs to Miscellaneous; Hydrocodone belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depression via alpha-2 adrenergic agonism and opioid effects, limited by low systemic exposure from ophthalmic use.
What to do
Counsel on possible drowsiness and avoid driving if sedated; monitor more closely in children, older adults or those on higher opioid doses.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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Other interactions of Hydrocodone
- Alvimopan + Hydrocodone Contraindicated
- Bupropion-naltrexone + Hydrocodone Contraindicated
- Hydrocodone + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Hydrocodone + Olanzapine / samidorphan Contraindicated
- Hydrocodone + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Hydrocodone Major
Other interactions of Brimonidine
- Brimonidine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Brimonidine + Linezolid Contraindicated
- Brimonidine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Brimonidine + Procarbazine Contraindicated
- Brimonidine + Rasagiline Contraindicated
- Brimonidine + Selegiline Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Brimonidine with Hydrocodone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Brimonidine and Hydrocodone have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Brimonidine, an alpha-2 agonist, can cause drowsiness, and systemic absorption from eye drops is small. Additive sedation with hydrocodone is possible but probably limited with ophthalmic use.
How serious is the interaction between Brimonidine and Hydrocodone?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Counsel on possible drowsiness and avoid driving if sedated; monitor more closely in children, older adults or those on higher opioid doses.
What other medicines interact with Hydrocodone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Hydrocodone with, for example, Alvimopan, Bupropion-naltrexone, Isocarboxazid. The full list is on the Hydrocodone page.
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