Drug interactions
Chloral hydrate + Clorazepate
Severity: Major
Chloral hydrate and Clorazepate: 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
Chloral hydrate and benzodiazepines both depress the CNS, so combination can cause excessive sedation and respiratory depression. The risk is higher in older adults, children and those with respiratory disease.
What this interaction means in plain words
Chloral hydrate and Clorazepate 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; Clorazepate belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive CNS and respiratory depression, as trichloroethanol, the active metabolite of chloral hydrate, enhances GABA-A receptor function.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible, or use reduced doses with close monitoring of sedation and respiratory status. Ensure appropriate supervision, especially at night.
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 Clorazepate
- Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Clorazepate Contraindicated
- Clorazepate + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Clorazepate Major
- Alprazolam + Clorazepate Major
- Amobarbital + Clorazepate Major
- Belladonna and opium + Clorazepate 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 Clorazepate?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Chloral hydrate and Clorazepate 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 and benzodiazepines both depress the CNS, so combination can cause excessive sedation and respiratory depression. The risk is higher in older adults, children and those with respiratory disease.
How serious is the interaction between Chloral hydrate and Clorazepate?
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, or use reduced doses with close monitoring of sedation and respiratory status. Ensure appropriate supervision, especially at night.
What other medicines interact with Clorazepate?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Clorazepate with, for example, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Sodium oxybate, Alfentanil. The full list is on the Clorazepate page.
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