Drug interactions
Hydromorphone + Methamphetamine
Severity: Moderate
Hydromorphone and Methamphetamine: 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
Methamphetamine is a stimulant and may partly offset the sedation caused by hydromorphone, but the net effect is unpredictable. Stimulant activity can mask opioid-induced drowsiness while respiratory depression and other opioid effects persist. Both drugs also have misuse potential.
What this interaction means in plain words
Hydromorphone and Methamphetamine 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.
Hydromorphone belongs to Musculoskeletal; Methamphetamine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Opposing pharmacodynamic effects on CNS arousal; the stimulant may mask opioid sedation without reversing respiratory depression.
What to do
Do not rely on alertness as a marker of opioid safety; monitor respiratory rate and pain control when both are used. Titrate hydromorphone to analgesic effect rather than sedation level.
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 Hydromorphone
- Alvimopan + Hydromorphone Contraindicated
- Bupropion-naltrexone + Hydromorphone Contraindicated
- Hydromorphone + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Hydromorphone + Olanzapine / samidorphan Contraindicated
- Hydromorphone + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Hydromorphone + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
Other interactions of Methamphetamine
- Isocarboxazid + Methamphetamine Contraindicated
- Linezolid + Methamphetamine Contraindicated
- Methamphetamine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Methamphetamine + Procarbazine Contraindicated
- Methamphetamine + Rasagiline Contraindicated
- Methamphetamine + Safinamide Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Hydromorphone with Methamphetamine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Hydromorphone and Methamphetamine 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. Methamphetamine is a stimulant and may partly offset the sedation caused by hydromorphone, but the net effect is unpredictable. Stimulant activity can mask opioid-induced drowsiness while respiratory depression and other opioid effects persist. Both drugs also have misuse potential.
How serious is the interaction between Hydromorphone and Methamphetamine?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Do not rely on alertness as a marker of opioid safety; monitor respiratory rate and pain control when both are used. Titrate hydromorphone to analgesic effect rather than sedation level.
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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