Drug interactions
Hydroxyzine + Sodium oxybate
Severity: Major
Hydroxyzine and Sodium oxybate: 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
Sodium oxybate is a potent CNS depressant, and hydroxyzine adds sedation, so together they may cause profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma or death. Labeling advises against combining sodium oxybate with other CNS depressants.
What this interaction means in plain words
Hydroxyzine and Sodium oxybate 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.
Hydroxyzine belongs to Respiratory; Sodium oxybate belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive CNS and respiratory depression through GABA-B/GHB receptor activity and H1 antagonism.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible and use a non-sedating alternative to hydroxyzine. If it must be used, use the minimum doses and monitor sedation and respiration closely.
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 Hydroxyzine
- Droperidol + Hydroxyzine Contraindicated
- Hydroxyzine + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Hydroxyzine + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Hydroxyzine + Vandetanib Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Hydroxyzine Major
- Amiodarone + Hydroxyzine Major
Other interactions of Sodium oxybate
- Alprazolam + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
- Amobarbital + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
- Butorphanol + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
- Chloral hydrate + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
- Clonazepam + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
- Clorazepate + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Hydroxyzine with Sodium oxybate?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Hydroxyzine and Sodium oxybate 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. Sodium oxybate is a potent CNS depressant, and hydroxyzine adds sedation, so together they may cause profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma or death. Labeling advises against combining sodium oxybate with other CNS depressants.
How serious is the interaction between Hydroxyzine and Sodium oxybate?
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 and use a non-sedating alternative to hydroxyzine. If it must be used, use the minimum doses and monitor sedation and respiration closely.
What other medicines interact with Hydroxyzine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Hydroxyzine with, for example, Droperidol, Pimozide, Thioridazine. The full list is on the Hydroxyzine page.
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