Drug interactions
Methadone + Methohexital
Severity: Major
Methadone and Methohexital: 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
Methohexital, a barbiturate anesthetic, combined with methadone increases the risk of profound sedation, respiratory depression and hypotension. Airway compromise is the main concern.
What this interaction means in plain words
Methadone and Methohexital 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.
Methadone belongs to Musculoskeletal; Methohexital belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive CNS and respiratory depression from opioid and barbiturate actions.
What to do
Use reduced methohexital doses with titration to effect and continuous monitoring of oxygenation and ventilation. Ensure airway equipment and personnel for resuscitation are available.
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 Methadone
- Alvimopan + Methadone Contraindicated
- Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Methadone Contraindicated
- Droperidol + Methadone Contraindicated
- Ibutilide + Methadone Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Methadone Contraindicated
- Lefamulin + Methadone Contraindicated
Other interactions of Methohexital
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Methadone with Methohexital?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Methadone and Methohexital 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. Methohexital, a barbiturate anesthetic, combined with methadone increases the risk of profound sedation, respiratory depression and hypotension. Airway compromise is the main concern.
How serious is the interaction between Methadone and Methohexital?
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 reduced methohexital doses with titration to effect and continuous monitoring of oxygenation and ventilation. Ensure airway equipment and personnel for resuscitation are available.
What other medicines interact with Methadone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Methadone with, for example, Alvimopan, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Droperidol. The full list is on the Methadone page.
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