Drug interactions
Chloral hydrate + Diazepam intranasal
Severity: Major
Chloral hydrate and Diazepam intranasal: 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
Diazepam is a benzodiazepine and chloral hydrate is a sedative-hypnotic, so combined use increases sedation and the risk of respiratory depression. This is a particular concern with rescue seizure dosing in patients who already have impaired consciousness.
What this interaction means in plain words
Chloral hydrate and Diazepam intranasal 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 depression through enhanced GABAergic inhibition.
What to do
Avoid concurrent use where feasible; if needed, monitor respiratory rate, oxygen saturation and consciousness after dosing. Reduce doses in elderly or debilitated patients.
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
- Chloral Hydrate 143mg/5ml Oral Solution - SmPC sections 4.3/4.5 (class statement: anxiolytics/sedatives; "Concomitant use with antipsychotics, hypnotics, anxiolytics/sedatives, antidepressant agents, centrally acting muscle relaxants, narcotic analgesics, anti-epile") — electronic medicines compendium (UK SmPC)
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 Diazepam intranasal?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Chloral hydrate and Diazepam intranasal 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. Diazepam is a benzodiazepine and chloral hydrate is a sedative-hypnotic, so combined use increases sedation and the risk of respiratory depression. This is a particular concern with rescue seizure dosing in patients who already have impaired consciousness.
How serious is the interaction between Chloral hydrate and Diazepam intranasal?
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 feasible; if needed, monitor respiratory rate, oxygen saturation and consciousness after dosing. Reduce doses in elderly or debilitated patients.
What other medicines interact with Chloral hydrate?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Chloral hydrate with, for example, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Sodium oxybate, Alfentanil. The full list is on the Chloral hydrate page.
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