Drug interactions
Efavirenz + Hydrocodone
Severity: Moderate
Efavirenz 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
Efavirenz induces CYP3A4 and may reduce hydrocodone exposure and pain relief. Stopping efavirenz may lead to increased hydrocodone concentrations and respiratory depression.
What this interaction means in plain words
Efavirenz 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.
Efavirenz belongs to Anti Virals; Hydrocodone belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
CYP3A4 induction by efavirenz accelerates hydrocodone clearance.
What to do
Monitor analgesia and adjust hydrocodone dose upward if needed. On efavirenz discontinuation, reduce the hydrocodone dose and monitor for sedation and respiratory depression.
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 Efavirenz
- Cobimetinib + Efavirenz Contraindicated
- Dienogest / estradiol valerate + Efavirenz Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine intranasal + Efavirenz Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine + Efavirenz Contraindicated
- Doravirine + Efavirenz Contraindicated
- Efavirenz + Elbasvir / grazoprevir Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Efavirenz with Hydrocodone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Efavirenz 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. Efavirenz induces CYP3A4 and may reduce hydrocodone exposure and pain relief. Stopping efavirenz may lead to increased hydrocodone concentrations and respiratory depression.
How serious is the interaction between Efavirenz 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: Monitor analgesia and adjust hydrocodone dose upward if needed. On efavirenz discontinuation, reduce the hydrocodone dose and monitor for sedation and respiratory depression.
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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