Drug interactions
Chloral hydrate + Doxepin
Severity: Moderate
Chloral hydrate and Doxepin: 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
Both agents cause sedation, and doxepin also has antihistaminic and anticholinergic effects. Combined use can increase drowsiness, impair psychomotor performance and raise the risk of falls, particularly in older adults.
What this interaction means in plain words
Chloral hydrate and Doxepin 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; Doxepin belongs to Dermatology.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depressant effects through GABAergic action of chloral hydrate and histamine H1 blockade by doxepin.
What to do
Start with reduced doses and monitor for excessive sedation, confusion and falls. Advise patients to avoid driving and alcohol.
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?
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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
Other interactions of Doxepin
- Doxepin + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Doxepin + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Doxepin + Procarbazine Contraindicated
- Doxepin + Safinamide Contraindicated
- Doxepin + Selegiline Contraindicated
- Doxepin + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Chloral hydrate with Doxepin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Chloral hydrate and Doxepin 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. Both agents cause sedation, and doxepin also has antihistaminic and anticholinergic effects. Combined use can increase drowsiness, impair psychomotor performance and raise the risk of falls, particularly in older adults.
How serious is the interaction between Chloral hydrate and Doxepin?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Start with reduced doses and monitor for excessive sedation, confusion and falls. Advise patients to avoid driving and alcohol.
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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