Drug interactions
Chlordiazepoxide-clidinium + Meperidine
Severity: Major
Chlordiazepoxide-clidinium and Meperidine: 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
Benzodiazepines combined with opioids can cause profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death. Regulators in the US and Europe warn about this combination.
What this interaction means in plain words
Chlordiazepoxide-clidinium and Meperidine 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-clidinium belongs to Gastrointestinal Tract; Meperidine belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive CNS and respiratory depression via GABA-A potentiation and mu-opioid receptor agonism.
What to do
Reserve concurrent use for patients without alternatives, use the lowest doses for the shortest time, and monitor respiratory rate and sedation closely.
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 Chlordiazepoxide-clidinium
- Alfentanil + Chlordiazepoxide-clidinium Major
- Alprazolam + Chlordiazepoxide-clidinium Major
- Amobarbital + Chlordiazepoxide-clidinium Major
- Belladonna and opium + Chlordiazepoxide-clidinium Major
- Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen + Chlordiazepoxide-clidinium Major
- Brexanolone + Chlordiazepoxide-clidinium Major
Other interactions of Meperidine
- Alvimopan + Meperidine Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Meperidine Contraindicated
- Meperidine + Methylene blue Contraindicated
- Meperidine + Olanzapine / samidorphan Contraindicated
- Meperidine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Meperidine + Procarbazine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Chlordiazepoxide-clidinium with Meperidine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Chlordiazepoxide-clidinium and Meperidine 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. Benzodiazepines combined with opioids can cause profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death. Regulators in the US and Europe warn about this combination.
How serious is the interaction between Chlordiazepoxide-clidinium and Meperidine?
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, use the lowest doses for the shortest time, and monitor respiratory rate and sedation closely.
What other medicines interact with Chlordiazepoxide-clidinium?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Chlordiazepoxide-clidinium with, for example, Alfentanil, Alprazolam, Amobarbital. The full list is on the Chlordiazepoxide-clidinium page.
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