Drug interactions
Chloral hydrate + Levorphanol
Severity: Major
Chloral hydrate and Levorphanol: 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
Levorphanol is a potent opioid, and combined use with chloral hydrate causes additive CNS and respiratory depression. Profound sedation, hypotension and breathing difficulty may result.
What this interaction means in plain words
Chloral hydrate and Levorphanol 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.
Why it happens
Additive CNS and respiratory depression from an opioid agonist and a sedative-hypnotic.
What to do
Reserve the combination for cases without alternatives, use reduced doses, and monitor sedation and respiratory rate closely.
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 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 Levorphanol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Chloral hydrate and Levorphanol 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. Levorphanol is a potent opioid, and combined use with chloral hydrate causes additive CNS and respiratory depression. Profound sedation, hypotension and breathing difficulty may result.
How serious is the interaction between Chloral hydrate and Levorphanol?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Reserve the combination for cases without alternatives, use reduced doses, and monitor sedation and respiratory rate closely.
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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