Drug interactions
Methohexital + Midazolam
Severity: Major
Methohexital and Midazolam: 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
Both drugs depress the central nervous system, and combining them produces deeper and longer sedation than either alone. This raises the risk of respiratory depression, hypotension and airway loss, especially with higher doses or in frail patients.
What this interaction means in plain words
Methohexital and Midazolam 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 belongs to Central Nervous System; Midazolam belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depression through enhancement of GABA-A receptor activity by a benzodiazepine and a barbiturate.
What to do
Reduce the dose of each agent and titrate slowly to effect, with continuous pulse oximetry, capnography and airway equipment available. Use this combination only where trained personnel can manage respiratory depression.
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 Midazolam
- Atazanavir + Midazolam Contraindicated
- Cobicistat + Midazolam Contraindicated
- Darunavir + Midazolam Contraindicated
- Elvitegravir / cobicistat / emtricitabine / tenofovir df + Midazolam Contraindicated
- Fosamprenavir + Midazolam Contraindicated
- Indinavir + Midazolam Contraindicated
Other interactions of Methohexital
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Methohexital with Midazolam?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Methohexital and Midazolam 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. Both drugs depress the central nervous system, and combining them produces deeper and longer sedation than either alone. This raises the risk of respiratory depression, hypotension and airway loss, especially with higher doses or in frail patients.
How serious is the interaction between Methohexital and Midazolam?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Reduce the dose of each agent and titrate slowly to effect, with continuous pulse oximetry, capnography and airway equipment available. Use this combination only where trained personnel can manage respiratory depression.
What other medicines interact with Midazolam?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Midazolam with, for example, Atazanavir, Cobicistat, Darunavir. The full list is on the Midazolam page.
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