Drug interactions
Lofexidine + Sodium oxybate
Severity: Major
Lofexidine and Sodium oxybate: 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
Sodium oxybate is a potent CNS and respiratory depressant, and lofexidine adds sedation and lowers blood pressure and heart rate. Combined use may cause excessive sedation, respiratory depression, hypotension and coma.
What this interaction means in plain words
Lofexidine 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.
Lofexidine belongs to Central Nervous System; Sodium oxybate belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depressant and hypotensive pharmacodynamic effects.
What to do
Avoid the combination when possible; if it cannot be avoided, use the lowest effective doses for the shortest time. Monitor closely for sedation, respiratory depression, bradycardia and hypotension.
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 Lofexidine
- Adagrasib + Lofexidine Major
- Alfuzosin + Lofexidine Major
- Amiodarone + Lofexidine Major
- Amisulpride + Lofexidine Major
- Anagrelide + Lofexidine Major
- Apomorphine + Lofexidine 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 Lofexidine with Sodium oxybate?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Lofexidine 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 and respiratory depressant, and lofexidine adds sedation and lowers blood pressure and heart rate. Combined use may cause excessive sedation, respiratory depression, hypotension and coma.
How serious is the interaction between Lofexidine 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 when possible; if it cannot be avoided, use the lowest effective doses for the shortest time. Monitor closely for sedation, respiratory depression, bradycardia and hypotension.
What other medicines interact with Lofexidine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Lofexidine with, for example, Adagrasib, Alfuzosin, Amiodarone. The full list is on the Lofexidine page.
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