Drug interactions
Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Codeine
Severity: Major
Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates and Codeine: major 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
Oxybate is a potent CNS depressant, and combining it with an opioid like codeine markedly increases the risk of profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma and death. Oxybate labeling warns against use with other CNS depressants.
What this interaction means in plain words
Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates and Codeine 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 GABA-B and GHB receptor effects of oxybate and opioid receptor agonism of codeine.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible. If unavoidable, use minimal doses and monitor closely for respiratory depression and level of 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?
Pro+ members
Unlock the full page
Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates and Codeine, the additional notes, the evidence detail and the whole-prescription interaction checker.
- Full clinical management advice
- Additional notes
- Evidence detail
- Interaction checker for a whole prescription
Try Pro+ free for 14 days on the web. No card needed.
Other interactions of Codeine
- Alvimopan + Codeine Contraindicated
- Codeine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Codeine + Olanzapine / samidorphan Contraindicated
- Codeine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Codeine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Codeine Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates with Codeine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates and Codeine 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. Oxybate is a potent CNS depressant, and combining it with an opioid like codeine markedly increases the risk of profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma and death. Oxybate labeling warns against use with other CNS depressants.
How serious is the interaction between Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates and Codeine?
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 where possible. If unavoidable, use minimal doses and monitor closely for respiratory depression and level of consciousness.
What other medicines interact with Codeine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Codeine with, for example, Alvimopan, Isocarboxazid, Olanzapine / samidorphan. The full list is on the Codeine page.
Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app
Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.
