Drug interactions
Hydrocodone + Propofol
Severity: Major
Hydrocodone and Propofol: 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
Propofol and opioids produce additive sedation, hypotension and respiratory depression, with potential for apnea and airway loss. This is expected in anesthesia but demands skilled monitoring.
What this interaction means in plain words
Hydrocodone and Propofol 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; Propofol belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive CNS and respiratory depression from GABA-A potentiation by propofol and opioid receptor agonism.
What to do
Administer only where airway management and continuous monitoring are available, with reduced and titrated doses. Monitor oxygen saturation, ventilation and blood pressure.
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 Propofol
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Hydrocodone with Propofol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Hydrocodone and Propofol 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. Propofol and opioids produce additive sedation, hypotension and respiratory depression, with potential for apnea and airway loss. This is expected in anesthesia but demands skilled monitoring.
How serious is the interaction between Hydrocodone and Propofol?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Administer only where airway management and continuous monitoring are available, with reduced and titrated doses. Monitor oxygen saturation, ventilation and blood pressure.
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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