Drug interactions
Hydromorphone + Lormetazepam
Severity: Major
Hydromorphone and Lormetazepam: 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 benzodiazepine produces additive central nervous system and respiratory depression. This can lead to profound sedation, respiratory failure, coma and death, particularly in older, frail or opioid-naive patients.
What this interaction means in plain words
Hydromorphone and Lormetazepam 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 CNS and respiratory depression through opioid receptor agonism and GABA-A potentiation.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible; if needed, use the lowest effective doses for the shortest duration and monitor sedation and respiratory rate. Counsel patients to avoid alcohol and driving.
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 Hydromorphone
- Alvimopan + Hydromorphone Contraindicated
- Bupropion-naltrexone + Hydromorphone Contraindicated
- Hydromorphone + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Hydromorphone + Olanzapine / samidorphan Contraindicated
- Hydromorphone + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Hydromorphone + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Hydromorphone with Lormetazepam?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Hydromorphone and Lormetazepam 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 benzodiazepine produces additive central nervous system and respiratory depression. This can lead to profound sedation, respiratory failure, coma and death, particularly in older, frail or opioid-naive patients.
How serious is the interaction between Hydromorphone and Lormetazepam?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid the combination where possible; if needed, use the lowest effective doses for the shortest duration and monitor sedation and respiratory rate. Counsel patients to avoid alcohol and driving.
What other medicines interact with Hydromorphone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Hydromorphone with, for example, Alvimopan, Bupropion-naltrexone, Isocarboxazid. The full list is on the Hydromorphone page.
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