Drug interactions
Chloral hydrate + Lorazepam
Severity: Major
Chloral hydrate and Lorazepam: 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
Both agents depress the CNS, and together they can cause deep sedation and respiratory depression. The risk is higher in children, older adults and patients with respiratory disease.
What this interaction means in plain words
Chloral hydrate and Lorazepam 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; Lorazepam belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive GABA-A mediated CNS depression, since chloral hydrate's metabolite trichloroethanol potentiates GABA-A receptors.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible, or use reduced doses with monitoring of sedation level and oxygen saturation. Ensure resuscitation capability when used for procedural sedation.
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 Lorazepam
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 Lorazepam?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Chloral hydrate and Lorazepam 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. Both agents depress the CNS, and together they can cause deep sedation and respiratory depression. The risk is higher in children, older adults and patients with respiratory disease.
How serious is the interaction between Chloral hydrate and Lorazepam?
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 possible, or use reduced doses with monitoring of sedation level and oxygen saturation. Ensure resuscitation capability when used for procedural sedation.
What other medicines interact with Lorazepam?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Lorazepam with, for example, Alfentanil, Alprazolam, Amobarbital. The full list is on the Lorazepam page.
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