Drug interactions
Butorphanol + Carisoprodol
Severity: Major
Butorphanol and Carisoprodol: 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
Carisoprodol is a sedating muscle relaxant, and with opioids it can produce marked drowsiness and respiratory depression. The combination is associated with misuse and overdose risk.
What this interaction means in plain words
Butorphanol and Carisoprodol 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.
Butorphanol belongs to Musculoskeletal; Carisoprodol belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive CNS and respiratory depression; carisoprodol's metabolite meprobamate has barbiturate-like GABA-A activity.
What to do
Avoid the combination when possible; if used, give the lowest doses for the shortest time and monitor respiration and sedation.
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 Butorphanol
- Butorphanol + Olanzapine / samidorphan Contraindicated
- Butorphanol + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Butorphanol Major
- Alprazolam + Butorphanol Major
- Alvimopan + Butorphanol Major
- Amobarbital + Butorphanol Major
Other interactions of Carisoprodol
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Butorphanol with Carisoprodol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Butorphanol and Carisoprodol 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. Carisoprodol is a sedating muscle relaxant, and with opioids it can produce marked drowsiness and respiratory depression. The combination is associated with misuse and overdose risk.
How serious is the interaction between Butorphanol and Carisoprodol?
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 the combination when possible; if used, give the lowest doses for the shortest time and monitor respiration and sedation.
What other medicines interact with Butorphanol?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Butorphanol with, for example, Olanzapine / samidorphan, Sodium oxybate, Alfentanil. The full list is on the Butorphanol page.
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