Drug interactions
Chlorpromazine + Hydrocodone
Severity: Major
Chlorpromazine and Hydrocodone: 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
Chlorpromazine is strongly sedating and adds to the CNS and respiratory depression of hydrocodone. Both drugs can also lower blood pressure, so hypotension and syncope are more likely, particularly in volume-depleted patients.
What this interaction means in plain words
Chlorpromazine and Hydrocodone 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.
Chlorpromazine belongs to Central Nervous System; Hydrocodone belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depression and hypotension from opioid effects combined with phenothiazine antihistaminic and alpha-adrenergic blockade.
What to do
Start with reduced hydrocodone doses and titrate slowly while monitoring sedation, respiratory rate and blood pressure. Avoid in volume-depleted patients when possible.
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 Hydrocodone
- Alvimopan + Hydrocodone Contraindicated
- Bupropion-naltrexone + Hydrocodone Contraindicated
- Hydrocodone + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Hydrocodone + Olanzapine / samidorphan Contraindicated
- Hydrocodone + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Hydrocodone Major
Other interactions of Chlorpromazine
- Chlorpromazine + Dofetilide Contraindicated
- Chlorpromazine + Dronedarone Contraindicated
- Chlorpromazine + Droperidol Contraindicated
- Chlorpromazine + Ibutilide Contraindicated
- Chlorpromazine + Metrizamide Contraindicated
- Chlorpromazine + Panobinostat Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Chlorpromazine with Hydrocodone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Chlorpromazine and Hydrocodone 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. Chlorpromazine is strongly sedating and adds to the CNS and respiratory depression of hydrocodone. Both drugs can also lower blood pressure, so hypotension and syncope are more likely, particularly in volume-depleted patients.
How serious is the interaction between Chlorpromazine and Hydrocodone?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Start with reduced hydrocodone doses and titrate slowly while monitoring sedation, respiratory rate and blood pressure. Avoid in volume-depleted patients when possible.
What other medicines interact with Hydrocodone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Hydrocodone with, for example, Alvimopan, Bupropion-naltrexone, Isocarboxazid. The full list is on the Hydrocodone page.
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