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Drug interactions

Chlordiazepoxide + Oxycodone

Severity: Major

Chlordiazepoxide and Oxycodone: 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

Opioids and benzodiazepines taken together markedly increase the risk of profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma and death. This is a boxed warning class interaction.

What this interaction means in plain words

Chlordiazepoxide and Oxycodone 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.

Chlordiazepoxide belongs to Central Nervous System; Oxycodone belongs to Musculoskeletal.

Evidence level: High

Why it happens

Additive CNS and respiratory depression via opioid receptor and GABA-A receptor effects.

What to do

Reserve concurrent use for patients without alternatives, using the lowest doses and shortest duration, and monitor for sedation and respiratory depression. Counsel patients and caregivers about warning signs.

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?

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

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References

Frequently asked questions

Can I take Chlordiazepoxide with Oxycodone?

MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Chlordiazepoxide and Oxycodone 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. Opioids and benzodiazepines taken together markedly increase the risk of profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma and death. This is a boxed warning class interaction.

How serious is the interaction between Chlordiazepoxide and Oxycodone?

MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Reserve concurrent use for patients without alternatives, using the lowest doses and shortest duration, and monitor for sedation and respiratory depression. Counsel patients and caregivers about warning signs.

What other medicines interact with Oxycodone?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Oxycodone with, for example, Alvimopan, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Isocarboxazid. The full list is on the Oxycodone page.

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