Drug interactions
Chloral hydrate + Chlordiazepoxide
Severity: Major
Chloral hydrate and Chlordiazepoxide: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: UK SmPC
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
Both are sedative-hypnotics, and together they can produce profound sedation and respiratory depression. Chloral hydrate's metabolite trichloroethanol also enhances GABAergic effects, raising the risk in older or respiratory-compromised patients.
What this interaction means in plain words
Chloral hydrate and Chlordiazepoxide 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 belongs to Central Nervous System; Chlordiazepoxide belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive GABA-A mediated CNS and respiratory depression.
What to do
Avoid combining if possible; otherwise use reduced doses and monitor level of consciousness and respiration. Avoid 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 Chlordiazepoxide
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 Chloral hydrate with Chlordiazepoxide?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Chloral hydrate and Chlordiazepoxide 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. Both are sedative-hypnotics, and together they can produce profound sedation and respiratory depression. Chloral hydrate's metabolite trichloroethanol also enhances GABAergic effects, raising the risk in older or respiratory-compromised patients.
How serious is the interaction between Chloral hydrate and Chlordiazepoxide?
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 combining if possible; otherwise use reduced doses and monitor level of consciousness and respiration. Avoid alcohol.
What other medicines interact with Chlordiazepoxide?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Chlordiazepoxide with, for example, Alfentanil, Alprazolam, Amobarbital. The full list is on the Chlordiazepoxide page.
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