Drug interactions
Chlorpheniramine + Sodium oxybate
Severity: Major
Chlorpheniramine and Sodium oxybate: 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
Sodium oxybate is a potent CNS depressant, and a sedating antihistamine adds to this effect. The combination can cause profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death.
What this interaction means in plain words
Chlorpheniramine and Sodium oxybate 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.
Chlorpheniramine belongs to Respiratory; Sodium oxybate belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive CNS and respiratory depression through pharmacodynamic synergism.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible, choosing a non-sedating antihistamine. If unavoidable, use the lowest effective doses and monitor closely for sedation and respiratory depression.
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 Chlorpheniramine
Other interactions of Sodium oxybate
- Alprazolam + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
- Amobarbital + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
- Butorphanol + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
- Chloral hydrate + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
- Clonazepam + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
- Clorazepate + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Chlorpheniramine with Sodium oxybate?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Chlorpheniramine and Sodium oxybate 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. Sodium oxybate is a potent CNS depressant, and a sedating antihistamine adds to this effect. The combination can cause profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death.
How serious is the interaction between Chlorpheniramine and Sodium oxybate?
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, choosing a non-sedating antihistamine. If unavoidable, use the lowest effective doses and monitor closely for sedation and respiratory depression.
What other medicines interact with Chlorpheniramine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Chlorpheniramine with, for example, Belladonna and opium, Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen, Brexanolone. The full list is on the Chlorpheniramine page.
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