Drug interactions
Chloral hydrate + Flurazepam
Severity: Moderate
Chloral hydrate and Flurazepam: 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
Flurazepam is a long-acting benzodiazepine whose active metabolite accumulates, and combined use with chloral hydrate increases sedation and impairment. Residual daytime drowsiness, confusion, falls and respiratory depression may result, especially in older patients.
What this interaction means in plain words
Chloral hydrate and Flurazepam 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 GABAergic enhancement by both agents.
What to do
Avoid combining two hypnotics where possible; if combined, use lower doses and monitor for next-day sedation and respiratory depression.
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 Flurazepam?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Chloral hydrate and Flurazepam 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. Flurazepam is a long-acting benzodiazepine whose active metabolite accumulates, and combined use with chloral hydrate increases sedation and impairment. Residual daytime drowsiness, confusion, falls and respiratory depression may result, especially in older patients.
How serious is the interaction between Chloral hydrate and Flurazepam?
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 combining two hypnotics where possible; if combined, use lower doses and monitor for next-day sedation and respiratory depression.
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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