Drug interactions
Chlordiazepoxide-clidinium + Methadone
Severity: Major
Chlordiazepoxide-clidinium and Methadone: 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
Concurrent benzodiazepine and methadone use can cause profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death. Methadone's long half-life makes the risk persistent.
What this interaction means in plain words
Chlordiazepoxide-clidinium and Methadone 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; Methadone belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive CNS and respiratory depression via GABA-A potentiation and mu-opioid receptor agonism.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible; if necessary, limit doses and duration, and monitor closely for sedation and respiratory depression. Consider naloxone availability.
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 Methadone
- Alvimopan + Methadone Contraindicated
- Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Methadone Contraindicated
- Droperidol + Methadone Contraindicated
- Ibutilide + Methadone Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Methadone Contraindicated
- Lefamulin + Methadone Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Chlordiazepoxide-clidinium with Methadone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Chlordiazepoxide-clidinium and Methadone 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. Concurrent benzodiazepine and methadone use can cause profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death. Methadone's long half-life makes the risk persistent.
How serious is the interaction between Chlordiazepoxide-clidinium and Methadone?
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 the combination where possible; if necessary, limit doses and duration, and monitor closely for sedation and respiratory depression. Consider naloxone availability.
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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