Drug interactions
Hydromorphone + Scullcap
Severity: Moderate
Hydromorphone and Scullcap: 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
Scullcap is an herbal product traditionally used for calming effects and may add to the sedative effect of opioids such as hydromorphone. The combination could increase drowsiness and impair psychomotor performance.
What this interaction means in plain words
Hydromorphone and Scullcap 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.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depression; the herb's sedative activity is poorly characterised.
What to do
Advise patients to avoid scullcap while taking hydromorphone, or monitor for excess sedation and reduce activities such as driving.
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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Hydromorphone with Scullcap?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Hydromorphone and Scullcap 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. Scullcap is an herbal product traditionally used for calming effects and may add to the sedative effect of opioids such as hydromorphone. The combination could increase drowsiness and impair psychomotor performance.
How serious is the interaction between Hydromorphone and Scullcap?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Advise patients to avoid scullcap while taking hydromorphone, or monitor for excess sedation and reduce activities such as 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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