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Drug interactions

Methohexital + Oxycodone

Severity: Major

Methohexital and Oxycodone: 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

Combining opioids with barbiturate anesthetics produces additive central nervous system and respiratory depression. This can cause profound sedation, hypotension, hypoventilation, and apnea.

What this interaction means in plain words

Methohexital and Oxycodone 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; Oxycodone belongs to Musculoskeletal.

Evidence level: High

Why it happens

Additive pharmacodynamic CNS and respiratory depression from opioid receptor agonism and barbiturate GABA-A potentiation.

What to do

Use only in a monitored setting with airway and ventilation support available, and reduce the doses of both drugs. Monitor oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, and blood pressure continuously.

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?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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References

Frequently asked questions

Can I take Methohexital with Oxycodone?

MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Methohexital and Oxycodone 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. Combining opioids with barbiturate anesthetics produces additive central nervous system and respiratory depression. This can cause profound sedation, hypotension, hypoventilation, and apnea.

How serious is the interaction between Methohexital and Oxycodone?

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 only in a monitored setting with airway and ventilation support available, and reduce the doses of both drugs. Monitor oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, and blood pressure continuously.

What other medicines interact with Oxycodone?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Oxycodone with, for example, Alvimopan, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Isocarboxazid. The full list is on the Oxycodone page.

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