Drug interactions
Metoclopramide + Sodium oxybate
Severity: Major
Metoclopramide and Sodium oxybate: 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
Sodium oxybate is a potent CNS and respiratory depressant, and metoclopramide adds sedation. Together they may cause profound sedation, respiratory depression or coma.
What this interaction means in plain words
Metoclopramide and Sodium oxybate 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.
Metoclopramide belongs to Gastrointestinal Tract; Sodium oxybate belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive central nervous system depression.
What to do
Avoid the combination if possible; use a non-sedating antiemetic. If it is used, monitor for sedation and respiratory depression and reduce doses as needed.
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 Metoclopramide
Other interactions of Sodium oxybate
- Alprazolam + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
- Amobarbital + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
- Butorphanol + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
- Chloral hydrate + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
- Clonazepam + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
- Clorazepate + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Metoclopramide with Sodium oxybate?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Metoclopramide and Sodium oxybate 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. Sodium oxybate is a potent CNS and respiratory depressant, and metoclopramide adds sedation. Together they may cause profound sedation, respiratory depression or coma.
How serious is the interaction between Metoclopramide and Sodium oxybate?
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 the combination if possible; use a non-sedating antiemetic. If it is used, monitor for sedation and respiratory depression and reduce doses as needed.
What other medicines interact with Metoclopramide?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Metoclopramide with, for example, Amantadine, Amoxapine, Antipsychotics (e.g., haloperidol). The full list is on the Metoclopramide page.
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