Drug interactions
Chloral hydrate + Diazepam
Severity: Major
Chloral hydrate and Diazepam: 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 diazepam are both sedative-hypnotics, and their combination can cause excessive sedation and respiratory depression. The risk is higher in children, older adults and those with respiratory disease.
What this interaction means in plain words
Chloral hydrate and Diazepam 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; Diazepam belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depression, as trichloroethanol the active metabolite of chloral hydrate and diazepam both enhance GABA-A activity.
What to do
Avoid combined use where possible, or reduce doses and monitor respiratory rate, oxygen saturation and level of consciousness. Ensure resuscitation capability when used for procedural sedation.
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 Diazepam
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?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Chloral hydrate and Diazepam 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 diazepam are both sedative-hypnotics, and their combination can cause excessive sedation and respiratory depression. The risk is higher in children, older adults and those with respiratory disease.
How serious is the interaction between Chloral hydrate and Diazepam?
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 combined use where possible, or reduce doses and monitor respiratory rate, oxygen saturation and level of consciousness. Ensure resuscitation capability when used for procedural sedation.
What other medicines interact with Diazepam?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Diazepam with, for example, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Alfentanil, Alprazolam. The full list is on the Diazepam page.
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