Drug interactions
Hydrocodone + Methohexital
Severity: Major
Hydrocodone and Methohexital: 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
Methohexital is a short-acting barbiturate anesthetic, and with opioids it causes additive sedation, respiratory depression and hypotension. The effect is strongest in volume-depleted patients or those on other agents that lower blood pressure.
What this interaction means in plain words
Hydrocodone and Methohexital 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; Methohexital belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive CNS and respiratory depression and vasodilatory hypotension from opioid agonism and barbiturate GABA-A potentiation.
What to do
Use only in a monitored setting with airway equipment and ventilatory support available, and reduce doses of both agents. Monitor blood pressure, oxygenation and respiratory rate.
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 Methohexital
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Hydrocodone with Methohexital?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Hydrocodone and Methohexital 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. Methohexital is a short-acting barbiturate anesthetic, and with opioids it causes additive sedation, respiratory depression and hypotension. The effect is strongest in volume-depleted patients or those on other agents that lower blood pressure.
How serious is the interaction between Hydrocodone and Methohexital?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Use only in a monitored setting with airway equipment and ventilatory support available, and reduce doses of both agents. Monitor blood pressure, oxygenation and respiratory rate.
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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