Drug interactions
Hydrocodone + Oxcarbazepine
Severity: Moderate
Hydrocodone and Oxcarbazepine: 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
Oxcarbazepine is a weak CYP3A4 inducer and may lower hydrocodone exposure, possibly reducing pain relief. Stopping oxcarbazepine could allow hydrocodone levels to rise.
What this interaction means in plain words
Hydrocodone and Oxcarbazepine 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.
Hydrocodone belongs to Musculoskeletal; Oxcarbazepine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Induction of CYP3A4 by oxcarbazepine increases hydrocodone clearance.
What to do
Monitor analgesic response and adjust hydrocodone dose if needed. After oxcarbazepine is withdrawn, monitor for sedation and respiratory depression and lower the opioid dose if required.
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
Other interactions of Oxcarbazepine
- Cabotegravir + Oxcarbazepine Contraindicated
- Oxcarbazepine + Rilpivirine Contraindicated
- Artemether / lumefantrine + Oxcarbazepine Major
- Atazanavir + Oxcarbazepine Major
- Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen + Oxcarbazepine Major
- Bictegravir + Oxcarbazepine Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Hydrocodone with Oxcarbazepine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Hydrocodone and Oxcarbazepine 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. Oxcarbazepine is a weak CYP3A4 inducer and may lower hydrocodone exposure, possibly reducing pain relief. Stopping oxcarbazepine could allow hydrocodone levels to rise.
How serious is the interaction between Hydrocodone and Oxcarbazepine?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor analgesic response and adjust hydrocodone dose if needed. After oxcarbazepine is withdrawn, monitor for sedation and respiratory depression and lower the opioid dose if required.
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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