Drug interactions
Chloral hydrate + Clonazepam
Severity: Major
Chloral hydrate and Clonazepam: 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
Both drugs are sedative-hypnotics, and combined use can cause profound sedation and respiratory depression. The risk is highest in children, the elderly and those with respiratory disease.
What this interaction means in plain words
Chloral hydrate and Clonazepam 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; Clonazepam belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depression, since chloral hydrate's active metabolite trichloroethanol enhances GABA-A activity like benzodiazepines.
What to do
Avoid the combination when possible; otherwise use reduced doses and monitor respiratory rate, oxygen saturation and level of consciousness. Ensure appropriate supervision.
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 Clonazepam
- Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Clonazepam Contraindicated
- Clonazepam + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Clonazepam Major
- Alprazolam + Clonazepam Major
- Amobarbital + Clonazepam Major
- Belladonna and opium + Clonazepam Major
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 Clonazepam?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Chloral hydrate and Clonazepam 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 drugs are sedative-hypnotics, and combined use can cause profound sedation and respiratory depression. The risk is highest in children, the elderly and those with respiratory disease.
How serious is the interaction between Chloral hydrate and Clonazepam?
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 when possible; otherwise use reduced doses and monitor respiratory rate, oxygen saturation and level of consciousness. Ensure appropriate supervision.
What other medicines interact with Clonazepam?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Clonazepam with, for example, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Sodium oxybate, Alfentanil. The full list is on the Clonazepam page.
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