Drug interactions
Butalbital + Oxycodone
Severity: Major
Butalbital and Oxycodone: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
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
Butalbital is a barbiturate and adds to opioid sedation and respiratory depression. Concurrent use can cause profound sedation, and enzyme induction may reduce oxycodone effect over time.
What this interaction means in plain words
Butalbital and Oxycodone 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 GABAergic CNS depression with opioid effects, plus possible CYP3A4 induction lowering oxycodone exposure.
What to do
Avoid or limit to the lowest doses and shortest duration, and monitor sedation and respiratory rate. Counsel patients against alcohol and other sedatives.
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 Oxycodone
- Alvimopan + Oxycodone Contraindicated
- Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Oxycodone Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Oxycodone Contraindicated
- Olanzapine / samidorphan + Oxycodone Contraindicated
- Oxycodone + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Oxycodone + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Butalbital with Oxycodone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Butalbital and Oxycodone 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. Butalbital is a barbiturate and adds to opioid sedation and respiratory depression. Concurrent use can cause profound sedation, and enzyme induction may reduce oxycodone effect over time.
How serious is the interaction between Butalbital and Oxycodone?
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 or limit to the lowest doses and shortest duration, and monitor sedation and respiratory rate. Counsel patients against alcohol and other sedatives.
What other medicines interact with Oxycodone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Oxycodone with, for example, Alvimopan, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Isocarboxazid. The full list is on the Oxycodone page.
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