Drug interactions
Chloral hydrate + Estazolam
Severity: Moderate
Chloral hydrate and Estazolam: 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
Estazolam is a benzodiazepine hypnotic and chloral hydrate is also a sedative-hypnotic, so concurrent use produces additive sedation and psychomotor impairment. Next-day drowsiness, falls and respiratory depression are concerns, especially in older or frail patients.
What this interaction means in plain words
Chloral hydrate and Estazolam 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.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depression through enhancement of GABAergic inhibition by both agents.
What to do
Avoid using two hypnotics together where possible; if necessary, use reduced doses and monitor sedation and respiration. Counsel patients against 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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Chloral hydrate with Estazolam?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Chloral hydrate and Estazolam 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. Estazolam is a benzodiazepine hypnotic and chloral hydrate is also a sedative-hypnotic, so concurrent use produces additive sedation and psychomotor impairment. Next-day drowsiness, falls and respiratory depression are concerns, especially in older or frail patients.
How serious is the interaction between Chloral hydrate and Estazolam?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid using two hypnotics together where possible; if necessary, use reduced doses and monitor sedation and respiration. Counsel patients against 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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