Drug interactions
Hydrocodone + Pancuronium
Severity: Moderate
Hydrocodone and Pancuronium: 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
Pancuronium is a neuromuscular blocker used only with ventilatory support, so the interaction relates to anesthesia rather than outpatient use. Opioids may add to respiratory depression and can alter hemodynamics, while pancuronium's vagolytic effect may counter opioid bradycardia.
What this interaction means in plain words
Hydrocodone and Pancuronium 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; Pancuronium belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Opioid-induced respiratory depression combined with neuromuscular paralysis; the pharmacodynamic interaction is largely additive in effect on ventilation.
What to do
Use only with controlled airway management and mechanical ventilation, as in routine anesthesia. Monitor heart rate, blood pressure and recovery of neuromuscular function.
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 Pancuronium
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Hydrocodone with Pancuronium?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Hydrocodone and Pancuronium 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. Pancuronium is a neuromuscular blocker used only with ventilatory support, so the interaction relates to anesthesia rather than outpatient use. Opioids may add to respiratory depression and can alter hemodynamics, while pancuronium's vagolytic effect may counter opioid bradycardia.
How serious is the interaction between Hydrocodone and Pancuronium?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Use only with controlled airway management and mechanical ventilation, as in routine anesthesia. Monitor heart rate, blood pressure and recovery of neuromuscular function.
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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