Drug interactions
Hydrocodone + Marijuana
Severity: Moderate
Hydrocodone and Marijuana: 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
Cannabis combined with an opioid produces additive sedation, psychomotor impairment, and potential respiratory depression. Cannabinoids may inhibit CYP2D6 in vitro, but the pharmacokinetic effect on hydrocodone is minor.
What this interaction means in plain words
Hydrocodone and Marijuana 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.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depression, with minor possible CYP2D6 inhibition by cannabinoids.
What to do
Counsel patients about additive drowsiness and impaired driving, and monitor for oversedation.
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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Hydrocodone with Marijuana?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Hydrocodone and Marijuana 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. Cannabis combined with an opioid produces additive sedation, psychomotor impairment, and potential respiratory depression. Cannabinoids may inhibit CYP2D6 in vitro, but the pharmacokinetic effect on hydrocodone is minor.
How serious is the interaction between Hydrocodone and Marijuana?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Counsel patients about additive drowsiness and impaired driving, and monitor for oversedation.
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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