Drug interactions
Hydrocodone + Orphenadrin
Severity: Major
Hydrocodone and Orphenadrin: 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
Concurrent use of orphenadrine and hydrocodone can cause profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma and death. The opioid labeling warns about combining opioids with other CNS depressants. Anticholinergic effects may also worsen constipation and urinary retention.
What this interaction means in plain words
Hydrocodone and Orphenadrin 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; Orphenadrin belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive CNS and respiratory depression from opioid agonism and the sedative effects of orphenadrine.
What to do
Use together only if other options are inadequate, with the lowest effective doses and shortest duration. Monitor for sedation and respiratory depression and counsel patients and caregivers on warning signs.
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 Orphenadrin
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 Orphenadrin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Hydrocodone and Orphenadrin 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. Concurrent use of orphenadrine and hydrocodone can cause profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma and death. The opioid labeling warns about combining opioids with other CNS depressants. Anticholinergic effects may also worsen constipation and urinary retention.
How serious is the interaction between Hydrocodone and Orphenadrin?
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 together only if other options are inadequate, with the lowest effective doses and shortest duration. Monitor for sedation and respiratory depression and counsel patients and caregivers on warning signs.
What other medicines interact with Orphenadrin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Orphenadrin with, for example, Alfentanil, Amobarbital, Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen. The full list is on the Orphenadrin page.
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