Drug interactions
Haloperidol + Sodium oxybate
Severity: Major
Haloperidol and Sodium oxybate: major 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
Both agents depress the central nervous system, and together they can cause profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma and death. Sodium oxybate labeling warns against combining it with other CNS depressants.
What this interaction means in plain words
Haloperidol and Sodium oxybate 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.
Haloperidol belongs to Central Nervous System; Sodium oxybate belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive central nervous system and respiratory depression through pharmacodynamic synergism.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible; if it is necessary, use the lowest effective doses for the shortest time. Monitor closely for sedation and respiratory depression, and consider reducing or interrupting sodium oxybate.
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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Other interactions of Haloperidol
- Dofetilide + Haloperidol Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Haloperidol Contraindicated
- Haloperidol + Ibutilide Contraindicated
- Haloperidol + Levoketoconazole Contraindicated
- Haloperidol + Panobinostat Contraindicated
- Haloperidol + Pimozide Contraindicated
Other interactions of Sodium oxybate
- Alprazolam + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
- Amobarbital + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
- Butorphanol + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
- Chloral hydrate + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
- Clonazepam + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
- Clorazepate + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Haloperidol with Sodium oxybate?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Haloperidol and Sodium oxybate 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. Both agents depress the central nervous system, and together they can cause profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma and death. Sodium oxybate labeling warns against combining it with other CNS depressants.
How serious is the interaction between Haloperidol and Sodium oxybate?
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 the combination where possible; if it is necessary, use the lowest effective doses for the shortest time. Monitor closely for sedation and respiratory depression, and consider reducing or interrupting sodium oxybate.
What other medicines interact with Haloperidol?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Haloperidol with, for example, Dofetilide, Dronedarone, Ibutilide. The full list is on the Haloperidol page.
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