Drug interactions
Chlorpromazine + Hydromorphone
Severity: Major
Chlorpromazine and Hydromorphone: 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 has strong sedative and hypotensive properties, and with hydromorphone it can cause marked sedation, respiratory depression and low blood pressure. Antipsychotic and opioid combinations are labeled for reduced dosing and careful monitoring.
What this interaction means in plain words
Chlorpromazine and Hydromorphone 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; Hydromorphone belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depression and hypotension from combined opioid and phenothiazine effects.
What to do
Start with reduced doses of one or both drugs and titrate carefully. Monitor sedation, respiratory rate and blood pressure.
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 Hydromorphone
- Alvimopan + Hydromorphone Contraindicated
- Bupropion-naltrexone + Hydromorphone Contraindicated
- Hydromorphone + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Hydromorphone + Olanzapine / samidorphan Contraindicated
- Hydromorphone + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Hydromorphone + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
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 Hydromorphone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Chlorpromazine and Hydromorphone 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 has strong sedative and hypotensive properties, and with hydromorphone it can cause marked sedation, respiratory depression and low blood pressure. Antipsychotic and opioid combinations are labeled for reduced dosing and careful monitoring.
How serious is the interaction between Chlorpromazine and Hydromorphone?
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 doses of one or both drugs and titrate carefully. Monitor sedation, respiratory rate and blood pressure.
What other medicines interact with Hydromorphone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Hydromorphone with, for example, Alvimopan, Bupropion-naltrexone, Isocarboxazid. The full list is on the Hydromorphone page.
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