Drug interactions
Diazepam + Hydrocodone
Severity: Major
Diazepam 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
Hydrocodone with diazepam can cause profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma and death. This opioid-benzodiazepine combination carries a boxed warning.
What this interaction means in plain words
Diazepam 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.
Diazepam belongs to Musculoskeletal; Hydrocodone belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive CNS and respiratory depression via opioid receptors and GABA-A potentiation.
What to do
Avoid if possible; otherwise use the lowest doses for the shortest time, monitor respiratory status and sedation, and consider prescribing 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 Hydrocodone
- Alvimopan + Hydrocodone Contraindicated
- Bupropion-naltrexone + Hydrocodone Contraindicated
- Hydrocodone + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Hydrocodone + Olanzapine / samidorphan Contraindicated
- Hydrocodone + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Hydrocodone Major
Other interactions of Diazepam
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Diazepam with Hydrocodone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Diazepam 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. Hydrocodone with diazepam can cause profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma and death. This opioid-benzodiazepine combination carries a boxed warning.
How serious is the interaction between Diazepam 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: Avoid if possible; otherwise use the lowest doses for the shortest time, monitor respiratory status and sedation, and consider prescribing naloxone.
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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