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Drug interactions

Chloral hydrate + Lofexidine

Severity: Moderate

Chloral hydrate and Lofexidine: 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

Lofexidine is a centrally acting alpha-2 agonist that causes sedation and hypotension, which can add to the effects of chloral hydrate. The combination may cause excessive drowsiness, low blood pressure and bradycardia.

What this interaction means in plain words

Chloral hydrate and Lofexidine 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; Lofexidine belongs to Central Nervous System.

Evidence level: Moderate

Why it happens

Additive CNS depression and hypotension from alpha-2 agonism plus a sedative-hypnotic.

What to do

Monitor sedation, blood pressure and pulse, and reduce doses if needed. Advise patients to rise slowly and avoid driving.

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?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Chloral hydrate with Lofexidine?

MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Chloral hydrate and Lofexidine 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. Lofexidine is a centrally acting alpha-2 agonist that causes sedation and hypotension, which can add to the effects of chloral hydrate. The combination may cause excessive drowsiness, low blood pressure and bradycardia.

How serious is the interaction between Chloral hydrate and Lofexidine?

MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor sedation, blood pressure and pulse, and reduce doses if needed. Advise patients to rise slowly and avoid driving.

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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