Drug interactions
Methohexital + Zaleplon
Severity: Moderate
Methohexital and Zaleplon: moderate 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
Methohexital is a barbiturate anesthetic that causes marked CNS and respiratory depression, and zaleplon may add to this. The combination can deepen sedation and increase the risk of airway compromise.
What this interaction means in plain words
Methohexital and Zaleplon can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Methohexital belongs to Central Nervous System; Zaleplon belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depression through GABA-A receptor potentiation by both agents.
What to do
Use methohexital only in monitored settings, with continuous respiratory and oxygenation monitoring. Titrate the dose of methohexital and allow for the patient's recent zaleplon use.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Zaleplon
- Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Zaleplon Contraindicated
- Sodium oxybate + Zaleplon Contraindicated
- Brexanolone + Zaleplon Major
- Buprenorphine long-acting + Zaleplon Major
- Buprenorphine subdermal implant + Zaleplon Major
- Buprenorphine transdermal + Zaleplon Major
Other interactions of Methohexital
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Methohexital with Zaleplon?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Methohexital and Zaleplon can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Methohexital is a barbiturate anesthetic that causes marked CNS and respiratory depression, and zaleplon may add to this. The combination can deepen sedation and increase the risk of airway compromise.
How serious is the interaction between Methohexital and Zaleplon?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Use methohexital only in monitored settings, with continuous respiratory and oxygenation monitoring. Titrate the dose of methohexital and allow for the patient's recent zaleplon use.
What other medicines interact with Zaleplon?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Zaleplon with, for example, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Sodium oxybate, Brexanolone. The full list is on the Zaleplon page.
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