Drug interactions
Meperidine + Pentobarbital
Severity: Major
Meperidine and Pentobarbital: 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
Barbiturates and opioids both depress the central nervous system, and together they can cause profound sedation, respiratory depression, hypotension and coma. Barbiturates may also induce hepatic metabolism of meperidine, which can raise levels of the neurotoxic metabolite normeperidine.
What this interaction means in plain words
Meperidine and Pentobarbital 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.
Why it happens
Additive CNS and respiratory depression, plus barbiturate enzyme induction that increases normeperidine formation.
What to do
Use the lowest possible doses and monitor respiratory status and level of consciousness continuously. Consider an alternative opioid if long-term co-therapy is needed.
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 Meperidine
- Alvimopan + Meperidine Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Meperidine Contraindicated
- Meperidine + Methylene blue Contraindicated
- Meperidine + Olanzapine / samidorphan Contraindicated
- Meperidine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Meperidine + Procarbazine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Meperidine with Pentobarbital?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Meperidine and Pentobarbital 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. Barbiturates and opioids both depress the central nervous system, and together they can cause profound sedation, respiratory depression, hypotension and coma. Barbiturates may also induce hepatic metabolism of meperidine, which can raise levels of the neurotoxic metabolite normeperidine.
How serious is the interaction between Meperidine and Pentobarbital?
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 the lowest possible doses and monitor respiratory status and level of consciousness continuously. Consider an alternative opioid if long-term co-therapy is needed.
What other medicines interact with Meperidine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Meperidine with, for example, Alvimopan, Isocarboxazid, Methylene blue. The full list is on the Meperidine page.
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