Drug interactions
Chloral hydrate + Morphine
Severity: Major
Chloral hydrate and Morphine: 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 that deepens the sedation caused by morphine. The combination raises the risk of excessive sedation and respiratory depression, particularly in children and older adults.
What this interaction means in plain words
Chloral hydrate and Morphine 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; Morphine belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive central nervous system depression.
What to do
Reduce the dose of one or both agents and monitor level of consciousness, respiratory rate and oxygen saturation. In procedural sedation, ensure continuous monitoring.
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 Morphine
- Alvimopan + Morphine Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Morphine Contraindicated
- Morphine + Olanzapine / samidorphan Contraindicated
- Morphine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Morphine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Morphine 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 Morphine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Chloral hydrate and Morphine 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 that deepens the sedation caused by morphine. The combination raises the risk of excessive sedation and respiratory depression, particularly in children and older adults.
How serious is the interaction between Chloral hydrate and Morphine?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Reduce the dose of one or both agents and monitor level of consciousness, respiratory rate and oxygen saturation. In procedural sedation, ensure continuous monitoring.
What other medicines interact with Morphine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Morphine with, for example, Alvimopan, Isocarboxazid, Olanzapine / samidorphan. The full list is on the Morphine page.
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