Drug interactions
Meperidine + Temazepam
Severity: Major
Meperidine and Temazepam: 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
Opioids combined with benzodiazepines such as temazepam can cause profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma and death. Regulators have issued boxed warnings on this combination.
What this interaction means in plain words
Meperidine and Temazepam 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; Temazepam belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive CNS and respiratory depression via opioid and GABA-A receptor actions.
What to do
Avoid combining unless alternatives are inadequate, then use the lowest doses for the shortest time. Monitor sedation and respiratory rate.
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 Temazepam
- Alprazolam + Temazepam Major
- Amobarbital + Temazepam Major
- Buprenorphine + Temazepam Major
- Butorphanol + Temazepam Major
- Carisoprodol + Temazepam Major
- Chloral hydrate + Temazepam Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Meperidine with Temazepam?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Meperidine and Temazepam 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. Opioids combined with benzodiazepines such as temazepam can cause profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma and death. Regulators have issued boxed warnings on this combination.
How serious is the interaction between Meperidine and Temazepam?
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 combining unless alternatives are inadequate, then use the lowest doses for the shortest time. Monitor sedation and respiratory rate.
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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