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Drug interactions

Hydrocodone + Meprobamate

Severity: Major

Hydrocodone and Meprobamate: 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

Meprobamate is a sedative-anxiolytic whose CNS depression adds to that of opioids. The combination can lead to profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma and death.

What this interaction means in plain words

Hydrocodone and Meprobamate 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.

Evidence level: Moderate

Why it happens

Additive CNS depression from opioid agonism and meprobamate sedation.

What to do

Avoid the combination where possible; if it is necessary, use the lowest doses for the shortest duration and monitor for sedation and respiratory depression. Counsel patients against driving and alcohol use.

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?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Hydrocodone with Meprobamate?

MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Hydrocodone and Meprobamate 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. Meprobamate is a sedative-anxiolytic whose CNS depression adds to that of opioids. The combination can lead to profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma and death.

How serious is the interaction between Hydrocodone and Meprobamate?

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 doses for the shortest duration and monitor for sedation and respiratory depression. Counsel patients against driving and alcohol 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.

Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app

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