Drug interactions
Hydrocodone + Trifluoperazine
Severity: Major
Hydrocodone and Trifluoperazine: 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
Combining an opioid with a phenothiazine antipsychotic produces additive central nervous system depression, with profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma or death possible. Additive hypotension can also occur, especially in volume-depleted patients.
What this interaction means in plain words
Hydrocodone and Trifluoperazine 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.
Why it happens
Additive pharmacodynamic CNS and respiratory depression, with alpha-adrenergic blockade by trifluoperazine adding to hypotension.
What to do
Reserve the combination for patients without adequate alternatives, using the lowest effective doses for the shortest time. Monitor for sedation, respiratory depression and hypotension.
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?
Pro+ members
Unlock the full page
Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Hydrocodone and Trifluoperazine, the additional notes, the evidence detail and the whole-prescription interaction checker.
- Full clinical management advice
- Additional notes
- Evidence detail
- Interaction checker for a whole prescription
Try Pro+ free for 7 days on the web. No card needed.
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 Trifluoperazine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Hydrocodone and Trifluoperazine 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. Combining an opioid with a phenothiazine antipsychotic produces additive central nervous system depression, with profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma or death possible. Additive hypotension can also occur, especially in volume-depleted patients.
How serious is the interaction between Hydrocodone and Trifluoperazine?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Reserve the combination for patients without adequate alternatives, using the lowest effective doses for the shortest time. Monitor for sedation, respiratory depression and hypotension.
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.
Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app
Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.
