Drug interactions
Chloral hydrate + Oxymorphone
Severity: Major
Chloral hydrate and Oxymorphone: 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, and with an opioid can cause excessive sedation and respiratory depression. The risk is more pronounced in children, the elderly and those with respiratory disease.
What this interaction means in plain words
Chloral hydrate and Oxymorphone 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; Oxymorphone belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive CNS and respiratory depression; the active metabolite trichloroethanol enhances GABA-A activity.
What to do
Avoid if possible; otherwise reduce doses and 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 Oxymorphone
- Alvimopan + Oxymorphone Contraindicated
- Ethanol + Oxymorphone Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Oxymorphone Contraindicated
- Olanzapine / samidorphan + Oxymorphone Contraindicated
- Oxymorphone + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Oxymorphone + Selegiline transdermal Contraindicated
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 Oxymorphone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Chloral hydrate and Oxymorphone 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, and with an opioid can cause excessive sedation and respiratory depression. The risk is more pronounced in children, the elderly and those with respiratory disease.
How serious is the interaction between Chloral hydrate and Oxymorphone?
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 if possible; otherwise reduce doses and monitor respiratory rate, oxygen saturation and level of consciousness.
What other medicines interact with Oxymorphone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Oxymorphone with, for example, Alvimopan, Ethanol, Isocarboxazid. The full list is on the Oxymorphone page.
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