Drug interactions
Chloral hydrate + Hydrocodone
Severity: Major
Chloral hydrate and Hydrocodone: 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 is a sedative-hypnotic whose effects add to those of hydrocodone, increasing the risk of deep sedation, respiratory depression and death. The risk is greater in children, older adults and patients with lung disease.
What this interaction means in plain words
Chloral hydrate and Hydrocodone 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; Hydrocodone belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive CNS and respiratory depression from opioid agonism and sedative-hypnotic action of trichloroethanol.
What to do
Avoid the combination where alternatives exist. If it is unavoidable, use reduced doses and continuously monitor respiratory rate, oxygen saturation and level of consciousness.
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 Hydrocodone
- Alvimopan + Hydrocodone Contraindicated
- Bupropion-naltrexone + Hydrocodone Contraindicated
- Hydrocodone + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Hydrocodone + Olanzapine / samidorphan Contraindicated
- Hydrocodone + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Hydrocodone Major
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 Hydrocodone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Chloral hydrate and Hydrocodone 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 is a sedative-hypnotic whose effects add to those of hydrocodone, increasing the risk of deep sedation, respiratory depression and death. The risk is greater in children, older adults and patients with lung disease.
How serious is the interaction between Chloral hydrate and Hydrocodone?
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 the combination where alternatives exist. If it is unavoidable, use reduced doses and continuously monitor respiratory rate, oxygen saturation and level of consciousness.
What other medicines interact with Hydrocodone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Hydrocodone with, for example, Alvimopan, Bupropion-naltrexone, Isocarboxazid. The full list is on the Hydrocodone page.
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