Drug interactions
Clobazam + Meperidine
Severity: Major
Clobazam 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. This class warning applies to clobazam and meperidine. The risk rises with higher doses and in patients with respiratory disease or older age.
What this interaction means in plain words
Clobazam 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.
Clobazam belongs to Central Nervous System; Meperidine belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive CNS and respiratory depression via GABA-A potentiation and opioid receptor agonism.
What to do
Reserve concurrent use for patients without alternatives, using the lowest doses and shortest duration. Monitor sedation and respiratory rate and consider providing naloxone.
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 Meperidine
- Alvimopan + Meperidine Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Meperidine Contraindicated
- Meperidine + Methylene blue Contraindicated
- Meperidine + Olanzapine / samidorphan Contraindicated
- Meperidine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Meperidine + Procarbazine Contraindicated
Other interactions of Clobazam
- Amobarbital + Clobazam Major
- Buprenorphine + Clobazam Major
- Butorphanol + Clobazam Major
- Carisoprodol + Clobazam Major
- Chloral hydrate + Clobazam Major
- Clobazam + Clozapine Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Clobazam with Meperidine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Clobazam 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. This class warning applies to clobazam and meperidine. The risk rises with higher doses and in patients with respiratory disease or older age.
How serious is the interaction between Clobazam 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, using the lowest doses and shortest duration. Monitor sedation and respiratory rate and consider providing naloxone.
What other medicines interact with Meperidine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Meperidine with, for example, Alvimopan, Isocarboxazid, Methylene blue. The full list is on the Meperidine page.
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