Drug interactions
Hydrocodone + Isoflurane
Severity: Moderate
Hydrocodone and Isoflurane: 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
Hydrocodone adds to the respiratory depression and hypotension of isoflurane while lowering anaesthetic requirement. The combination is common in perioperative care but needs close titration.
What this interaction means in plain words
Hydrocodone and Isoflurane 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.
Hydrocodone belongs to Musculoskeletal; Isoflurane belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive CNS and respiratory depression and vasodilation from opioid and volatile anaesthetic effects.
What to do
Anaesthesia staff should titrate agents to effect with continuous monitoring of ventilation and blood pressure. Inform them of recent opioid use.
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 Isoflurane
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Hydrocodone with Isoflurane?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Hydrocodone and Isoflurane 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. Hydrocodone adds to the respiratory depression and hypotension of isoflurane while lowering anaesthetic requirement. The combination is common in perioperative care but needs close titration.
How serious is the interaction between Hydrocodone and Isoflurane?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Anaesthesia staff should titrate agents to effect with continuous monitoring of ventilation and blood pressure. Inform them of recent opioid use.
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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