Drug interactions
Carisoprodol + Hydromorphone
Severity: Major
Carisoprodol and Hydromorphone: 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 combining it with an opioid such as hydromorphone increases drowsiness, impaired psychomotor performance and the risk of respiratory depression. Carisoprodol's metabolite meprobamate adds to the depressant load, and misuse of this combination has been described.
What this interaction means in plain words
Carisoprodol and Hydromorphone 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 belongs to Musculoskeletal; Hydromorphone belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive central nervous system and respiratory depression.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible; if needed, use the lowest effective doses for the shortest time and monitor sedation and respiratory rate. Counsel patients to avoid driving and alcohol.
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 Hydromorphone
- Alvimopan + Hydromorphone Contraindicated
- Bupropion-naltrexone + Hydromorphone Contraindicated
- Hydromorphone + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Hydromorphone + Olanzapine / samidorphan Contraindicated
- Hydromorphone + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Hydromorphone + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
Other interactions of Carisoprodol
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Carisoprodol with Hydromorphone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Carisoprodol and Hydromorphone 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 combining it with an opioid such as hydromorphone increases drowsiness, impaired psychomotor performance and the risk of respiratory depression. Carisoprodol's metabolite meprobamate adds to the depressant load, and misuse of this combination has been described.
How serious is the interaction between Carisoprodol and Hydromorphone?
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 needed, use the lowest effective doses for the shortest time and monitor sedation and respiratory rate. Counsel patients to avoid driving and alcohol.
What other medicines interact with Hydromorphone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Hydromorphone with, for example, Alvimopan, Bupropion-naltrexone, Isocarboxazid. The full list is on the Hydromorphone page.
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