Drug interactions
Butorphanol + Loprazolam
Severity: Major
Butorphanol and Loprazolam: 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
Concurrent opioid and benzodiazepine use markedly increases the risk of profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma and death. Loprazolam is a hypnotic benzodiazepine, so the combination is hazardous at night when patients are unobserved.
What this interaction means in plain words
Butorphanol and Loprazolam 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 CNS and respiratory depression via opioid receptors and GABA-A potentiation.
What to do
Avoid concurrent use where possible; if unavoidable, use the lowest doses for the shortest time. Monitor sedation and respiration and warn patients and caregivers of the risk.
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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Butorphanol with Loprazolam?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Butorphanol and Loprazolam 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. Concurrent opioid and benzodiazepine use markedly increases the risk of profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma and death. Loprazolam is a hypnotic benzodiazepine, so the combination is hazardous at night when patients are unobserved.
How serious is the interaction between Butorphanol and Loprazolam?
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 concurrent use where possible; if unavoidable, use the lowest doses for the shortest time. Monitor sedation and respiration and warn patients and caregivers of the risk.
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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