Drug interactions
Butorphanol + Chloral hydrate
Severity: Major
Butorphanol and Chloral hydrate: 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
Chloral hydrate is a sedative-hypnotic, and with opioids it can cause excessive sedation and respiratory depression. This is a particular concern in children and older patients.
What this interaction means in plain words
Butorphanol 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.
Butorphanol belongs to Musculoskeletal; Chloral hydrate belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive CNS and respiratory depression; the active metabolite trichloroethanol enhances GABA-A activity.
What to do
Avoid if possible; otherwise reduce doses and monitor respiratory rate, oxygen saturation and consciousness.
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 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 Butorphanol with Chloral hydrate?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Butorphanol 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. Chloral hydrate is a sedative-hypnotic, and with opioids it can cause excessive sedation and respiratory depression. This is a particular concern in children and older patients.
How serious is the interaction between Butorphanol 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 if possible; otherwise reduce doses and monitor respiratory rate, oxygen saturation and consciousness.
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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