Drug interactions
Flurazepam + Meperidine
Severity: Major
Flurazepam and Meperidine: 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
Concurrent opioid and benzodiazepine use can cause deep sedation, respiratory depression, coma and death. Flurazepam has long-acting active metabolites, so the effect can persist, especially in older adults.
What this interaction means in plain words
Flurazepam and Meperidine 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 via opioid receptors and enhanced GABA-A receptor activity.
What to do
Reserve the combination for patients with no alternatives, using the lowest doses and shortest duration, and monitor for sedation and respiratory depression. Consider a shorter-acting hypnotic alternative and counsel about avoiding alcohol and driving.
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 Meperidine
- Alvimopan + Meperidine Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Meperidine Contraindicated
- Meperidine + Methylene blue Contraindicated
- Meperidine + Olanzapine / samidorphan Contraindicated
- Meperidine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Meperidine + Procarbazine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Flurazepam with Meperidine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Flurazepam and Meperidine 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. Concurrent opioid and benzodiazepine use can cause deep sedation, respiratory depression, coma and death. Flurazepam has long-acting active metabolites, so the effect can persist, especially in older adults.
How serious is the interaction between Flurazepam and Meperidine?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Reserve the combination for patients with no alternatives, using the lowest doses and shortest duration, and monitor for sedation and respiratory depression. Consider a shorter-acting hypnotic alternative and counsel about avoiding alcohol and driving.
What other medicines interact with Meperidine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Meperidine with, for example, Alvimopan, Isocarboxazid, Methylene blue. The full list is on the Meperidine page.
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