Drug interactions
Butabarbital + Chloral hydrate
Severity: Moderate
Butabarbital and Chloral hydrate: 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
Both agents are sedative-hypnotics, so together they produce additive CNS depression with excess sedation and possible respiratory depression. Chloral hydrate metabolites may also modestly alter the pharmacokinetics of other drugs, adding to unpredictability.
What this interaction means in plain words
Butabarbital and Chloral hydrate 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 CNS depression, with both drugs enhancing inhibitory neurotransmission.
What to do
Avoid duplicate hypnotic therapy where possible, or reduce doses and monitor sedation and respiratory status. Advise against alcohol and driving.
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 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 Butabarbital with Chloral hydrate?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Butabarbital and Chloral hydrate 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. Both agents are sedative-hypnotics, so together they produce additive CNS depression with excess sedation and possible respiratory depression. Chloral hydrate metabolites may also modestly alter the pharmacokinetics of other drugs, adding to unpredictability.
How serious is the interaction between Butabarbital and Chloral hydrate?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid duplicate hypnotic therapy where possible, or reduce doses and monitor sedation and respiratory status. Advise against alcohol and driving.
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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