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Drug interactions

Chloral hydrate + Difelikefalin

Severity: Moderate

Chloral hydrate and Difelikefalin: moderate interaction.

Last updated

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

Difelikefalin, a kappa-opioid agonist used for dialysis-associated itch, can cause dizziness and somnolence. Chloral hydrate may add to these effects and impair alertness.

What this interaction means in plain words

Chloral hydrate and Difelikefalin can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.

Chloral hydrate belongs to Central Nervous System; Difelikefalin belongs to Dermatology.

Evidence level: Low

Why it happens

Additive CNS depression.

What to do

Monitor for excessive sedation and dizziness, and reduce the sedative dose if necessary. Advise caution with activities needing alertness.

What to ask your pharmacist

  • Should I take them at different times of day?
  • Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
  • Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Chloral hydrate with Difelikefalin?

MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Chloral hydrate and Difelikefalin can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Difelikefalin, a kappa-opioid agonist used for dialysis-associated itch, can cause dizziness and somnolence. Chloral hydrate may add to these effects and impair alertness.

How serious is the interaction between Chloral hydrate and Difelikefalin?

MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor for excessive sedation and dizziness, and reduce the sedative dose if necessary. Advise caution with activities needing alertness.

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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