Drug interactions
Hydrocodone + Quinidine
Severity: Moderate
Hydrocodone and Quinidine: 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
Quinidine is a potent CYP2D6 inhibitor and can reduce conversion of hydrocodone to the more potent hydromorphone, potentially decreasing analgesia. Metabolism may shift toward CYP3A4 pathways, raising parent drug exposure.
What this interaction means in plain words
Hydrocodone and Quinidine 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; Quinidine belongs to Anti Parasitic.
Why it happens
Potent CYP2D6 inhibition by quinidine reduces O-demethylation of hydrocodone.
What to do
Monitor pain relief and for sedation or respiratory depression. Titrate the hydrocodone dose to effect or choose an opioid not dependent on CYP2D6.
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 Quinidine
- Adagrasib + Quinidine Contraindicated
- Arsenic trioxide + Quinidine Contraindicated
- Artemether / lumefantrine + Quinidine Contraindicated
- Chloroquine + Quinidine Contraindicated
- Dofetilide + Quinidine Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Quinidine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Hydrocodone with Quinidine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Hydrocodone and Quinidine 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. Quinidine is a potent CYP2D6 inhibitor and can reduce conversion of hydrocodone to the more potent hydromorphone, potentially decreasing analgesia. Metabolism may shift toward CYP3A4 pathways, raising parent drug exposure.
How serious is the interaction between Hydrocodone and Quinidine?
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 pain relief and for sedation or respiratory depression. Titrate the hydrocodone dose to effect or choose an opioid not dependent on CYP2D6.
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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