Drug interactions
Dexmedetomidine + Hydrocodone
Severity: Moderate
Dexmedetomidine and Hydrocodone: moderate interaction.
Last updated
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
Dexmedetomidine produces sedation and can lower blood pressure and heart rate, adding to the effects of hydrocodone. Opioid-sparing is useful, but the combination raises the risk of excess sedation and hypotension.
What this interaction means in plain words
Dexmedetomidine and Hydrocodone can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Dexmedetomidine belongs to Central Nervous System; Hydrocodone belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive sedation and hemodynamic depression from alpha-2 agonism and opioid effects.
What to do
Titrate each drug carefully, often reducing opioid doses, and monitor sedation, respiration, heart rate and blood pressure.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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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 Dexmedetomidine
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Dexmedetomidine with Hydrocodone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Dexmedetomidine and Hydrocodone can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Dexmedetomidine produces sedation and can lower blood pressure and heart rate, adding to the effects of hydrocodone. Opioid-sparing is useful, but the combination raises the risk of excess sedation and hypotension.
How serious is the interaction between Dexmedetomidine and Hydrocodone?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Titrate each drug carefully, often reducing opioid doses, and monitor sedation, respiration, heart rate and blood pressure.
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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