Drug interactions
Meperidine + Sodium oxybate
Severity: Major
Meperidine 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 with meperidine produces additive CNS and respiratory depression. Profound sedation, coma and death can result.
What this interaction means in plain words
Meperidine 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.
Meperidine belongs to Musculoskeletal; Sodium oxybate belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depression through opioid receptor agonism and GABA-B/GHB receptor activity.
What to do
Avoid combined use where possible; if unavoidable, use minimal doses and duration and monitor for respiratory depression and sedation.
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
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 Meperidine with Sodium oxybate?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Meperidine 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 with meperidine produces additive CNS and respiratory depression. Profound sedation, coma and death can result.
How serious is the interaction between Meperidine 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 combined use where possible; if unavoidable, use minimal doses and duration and monitor for respiratory depression and sedation.
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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