Drug interactions
Diamorphine + Oxymorphone
Severity: Major
Diamorphine and Oxymorphone: 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
Diamorphine (heroin) is a strong opioid agonist, and combining it with oxymorphone duplicates opioid effects. This raises the risk of respiratory depression, deep sedation and fatal overdose.
What this interaction means in plain words
Diamorphine and Oxymorphone 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.
Why it happens
Additive mu-opioid receptor agonism.
What to do
Avoid using both together; use a single opioid and adjust dose by response. If overlap is unavoidable, reduce doses and monitor respiration and sedation.
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 Oxymorphone
- Alvimopan + Oxymorphone Contraindicated
- Ethanol + Oxymorphone Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Oxymorphone Contraindicated
- Olanzapine / samidorphan + Oxymorphone Contraindicated
- Oxymorphone + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Oxymorphone + Selegiline transdermal Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Diamorphine with Oxymorphone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Diamorphine and Oxymorphone 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. Diamorphine (heroin) is a strong opioid agonist, and combining it with oxymorphone duplicates opioid effects. This raises the risk of respiratory depression, deep sedation and fatal overdose.
How serious is the interaction between Diamorphine and Oxymorphone?
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 using both together; use a single opioid and adjust dose by response. If overlap is unavoidable, reduce doses and monitor respiration and sedation.
What other medicines interact with Oxymorphone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Oxymorphone with, for example, Alvimopan, Ethanol, Isocarboxazid. The full list is on the Oxymorphone page.
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