Drug interactions
Hydrocodone + Metaxalone
Severity: Major
Hydrocodone and Metaxalone: 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
Metaxalone is a sedating skeletal muscle relaxant that adds to the CNS depression produced by opioids. Together they may cause marked drowsiness, impaired psychomotor function and respiratory depression.
What this interaction means in plain words
Hydrocodone and Metaxalone 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.
Hydrocodone belongs to Musculoskeletal; Metaxalone belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depressant effects.
What to do
Avoid combining when alternatives exist; otherwise use minimal doses and duration and monitor sedation and breathing. Warn patients against driving or using alcohol.
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 Hydrocodone
- Alvimopan + Hydrocodone Contraindicated
- Bupropion-naltrexone + Hydrocodone Contraindicated
- Hydrocodone + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Hydrocodone + Olanzapine / samidorphan Contraindicated
- Hydrocodone + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Hydrocodone Major
Other interactions of Metaxalone
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Hydrocodone with Metaxalone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Hydrocodone and Metaxalone 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. Metaxalone is a sedating skeletal muscle relaxant that adds to the CNS depression produced by opioids. Together they may cause marked drowsiness, impaired psychomotor function and respiratory depression.
How serious is the interaction between Hydrocodone and Metaxalone?
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 combining when alternatives exist; otherwise use minimal doses and duration and monitor sedation and breathing. Warn patients against driving or using alcohol.
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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