Drug interactions
Hydromorphone + Methohexital
Severity: Major
Hydromorphone and Methohexital: 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
Methohexital is a short-acting barbiturate anesthetic and, with hydromorphone, produces additive sedation, hypotension and respiratory depression. The effect is expected and usually managed in monitored anesthesia settings.
What this interaction means in plain words
Hydromorphone and Methohexital 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.
Hydromorphone belongs to Musculoskeletal; Methohexital belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depression via GABA-A potentiation (barbiturate) and mu-opioid agonism.
What to do
Use only where airway and ventilation can be supported and monitored; reduce doses of one or both agents and observe carefully through recovery.
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 Hydromorphone
- Alvimopan + Hydromorphone Contraindicated
- Bupropion-naltrexone + Hydromorphone Contraindicated
- Hydromorphone + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Hydromorphone + Olanzapine / samidorphan Contraindicated
- Hydromorphone + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Hydromorphone + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
Other interactions of Methohexital
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Hydromorphone with Methohexital?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Hydromorphone and Methohexital 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. Methohexital is a short-acting barbiturate anesthetic and, with hydromorphone, produces additive sedation, hypotension and respiratory depression. The effect is expected and usually managed in monitored anesthesia settings.
How serious is the interaction between Hydromorphone and Methohexital?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Use only where airway and ventilation can be supported and monitored; reduce doses of one or both agents and observe carefully through recovery.
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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