Drug interactions
Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Hydrocodone
Severity: Major
Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates and Hydrocodone: 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
Oxybates are potent CNS depressants and opioids intensify their effect. Together they can cause profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma and death.
What this interaction means in plain words
Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates and Hydrocodone 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 through GABA-B and GHB receptor activity plus mu-opioid agonism.
What to do
Avoid concurrent use where possible; if opioids are essential, use minimal doses and monitor respiratory status closely. Oxybate labeling advises avoiding or limiting CNS depressant co-use.
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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Other interactions of Hydrocodone
- Alvimopan + Hydrocodone Contraindicated
- Bupropion-naltrexone + Hydrocodone Contraindicated
- Hydrocodone + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Hydrocodone + Olanzapine / samidorphan Contraindicated
- Hydrocodone + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Hydrocodone Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates with Hydrocodone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates and Hydrocodone 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. Oxybates are potent CNS depressants and opioids intensify their effect. Together they can cause profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma and death.
How serious is the interaction between Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates and Hydrocodone?
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 opioids are essential, use minimal doses and monitor respiratory status closely. Oxybate labeling advises avoiding or limiting CNS depressant co-use.
What other medicines interact with Hydrocodone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Hydrocodone with, for example, Alvimopan, Bupropion-naltrexone, Isocarboxazid. The full list is on the Hydrocodone page.
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