Drug interactions
Hydrocodone + Zaleplon
Severity: Major
Hydrocodone and Zaleplon: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
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
Opioids and sedative-hypnotics together raise the risk of profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death. This is a labeled warning for opioids with CNS depressants.
What this interaction means in plain words
Hydrocodone and Zaleplon 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; Zaleplon belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depression via mu-opioid and GABA-A receptor modulation.
What to do
Reserve combination for patients without alternatives, using the lowest doses and shortest duration. Monitor sedation and respiratory status and counsel on avoiding driving and alcohol.
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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References
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 Zaleplon
- Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Zaleplon Contraindicated
- Sodium oxybate + Zaleplon Contraindicated
- Brexanolone + Zaleplon Major
- Buprenorphine long-acting + Zaleplon Major
- Buprenorphine subdermal implant + Zaleplon Major
- Buprenorphine transdermal + Zaleplon Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Hydrocodone with Zaleplon?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Hydrocodone and Zaleplon 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. Opioids and sedative-hypnotics together raise the risk of profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death. This is a labeled warning for opioids with CNS depressants.
How serious is the interaction between Hydrocodone and Zaleplon?
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 combination for patients without alternatives, using the lowest doses and shortest duration. Monitor sedation and respiratory status and counsel on avoiding driving and alcohol.
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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