Drug interactions
Chloral hydrate + Secobarbital
Severity: Major
Chloral hydrate and Secobarbital: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: UK SmPC
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 are sedative-hypnotics, and combining them can produce deep sedation and respiratory depression. Chloral hydrate's active metabolite trichloroethanol also acts on GABA-A receptors in a way that adds to the barbiturate effect.
What this interaction means in plain words
Chloral hydrate and Secobarbital 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; Secobarbital belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive CNS and respiratory depression via GABA-A receptor potentiation.
What to do
Avoid combining the two where possible. If both are used, reduce doses and monitor sedation level and respiration.
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
- Chloral Hydrate 143mg/5ml Oral Solution - SmPC sections 4.3/4.5 (class statement: hypnotics; "Concomitant use with antipsychotics, hypnotics, anxiolytics/sedatives, antidepressant agents, centrally acting muscle relaxants, narcotic analgesics, anti-epile") — electronic medicines compendium (UK SmPC)
Other interactions of Secobarbital
- Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Secobarbital Contraindicated
- Doravirine + Secobarbital Contraindicated
- Elbasvir / grazoprevir + Secobarbital Contraindicated
- Elvitegravir / cobicistat / emtricitabine / tenofovir df + Secobarbital Contraindicated
- Isavuconazonium + Secobarbital Contraindicated
- Lonafarnib + Secobarbital 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 Secobarbital?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Chloral hydrate and Secobarbital 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 are sedative-hypnotics, and combining them can produce deep sedation and respiratory depression. Chloral hydrate's active metabolite trichloroethanol also acts on GABA-A receptors in a way that adds to the barbiturate effect.
How serious is the interaction between Chloral hydrate and Secobarbital?
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 combining the two where possible. If both are used, reduce doses and monitor sedation level and respiration.
What other medicines interact with Secobarbital?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Secobarbital with, for example, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Doravirine, Elbasvir / grazoprevir. The full list is on the Secobarbital page.
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