Drug interactions
Hydromorphone + Oxazepam
Severity: Major
Hydromorphone and Oxazepam: 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
Opioids combined with benzodiazepines such as oxazepam can produce profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma and death. This class combination carries a regulatory boxed warning.
What this interaction means in plain words
Hydromorphone and Oxazepam 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; Oxazepam belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive CNS and respiratory depression via opioid and GABA-A receptor activity.
What to do
Avoid unless alternatives are inadequate; use the lowest doses for the shortest duration and monitor for sedation and respiratory depression. Counsel patients and caregivers on warning signs and avoid 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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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 Oxazepam
- Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Oxazepam Contraindicated
- Oxazepam + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Oxazepam Major
- Amobarbital + Oxazepam Major
- Baclofen + Oxazepam Major
- Belladonna and opium + Oxazepam Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Hydromorphone with Oxazepam?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Hydromorphone and Oxazepam 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 combined with benzodiazepines such as oxazepam can produce profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma and death. This class combination carries a regulatory boxed warning.
How serious is the interaction between Hydromorphone and Oxazepam?
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 unless alternatives are inadequate; use the lowest doses for the shortest duration and monitor for sedation and respiratory depression. Counsel patients and caregivers on warning signs and avoid alcohol.
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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