Drug interactions
Ethanol + Oxazepam
Severity: Major
Ethanol and Oxazepam: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: UK SmPC
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
Alcohol markedly increases the sedative and psychomotor-impairing effects of benzodiazepines and can cause profound sedation, respiratory depression, memory impairment and accidents. Risk of overdose and death rises with higher alcohol intake.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ethanol and Oxazepam 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 CNS depression through enhancement of GABA-A receptor activity by both substances.
What to do
Advise patients to avoid alcohol while taking oxazepam and not to drive or operate machinery. In alcohol withdrawal management, give oxazepam only under supervised dosing.
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
- Oxazepam 10mg Tablets - SmPC sections 4.3/4.5 (names the partner; "The sedative effects may be enhanced when oxazepam is used in combination with alcohol.") — electronic medicines compendium (UK SmPC)
Other interactions of Oxazepam
- Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Oxazepam Contraindicated
- Oxazepam + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Oxazepam Major
- Amobarbital + Oxazepam Major
- Baclofen + Oxazepam Major
- Belladonna and opium + Oxazepam Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ethanol with Oxazepam?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Ethanol and Oxazepam 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. Alcohol markedly increases the sedative and psychomotor-impairing effects of benzodiazepines and can cause profound sedation, respiratory depression, memory impairment and accidents. Risk of overdose and death rises with higher alcohol intake.
How serious is the interaction between Ethanol and Oxazepam?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Advise patients to avoid alcohol while taking oxazepam and not to drive or operate machinery. In alcohol withdrawal management, give oxazepam only under supervised dosing.
What other medicines interact with Oxazepam?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Oxazepam with, for example, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Sodium oxybate, Alfentanil. The full list is on the Oxazepam page.
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