Drug interactions
Oxycodone + Pentobarbital
Severity: Major
Oxycodone and Pentobarbital: major 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
Barbiturates add to opioid CNS and respiratory depression. Pentobarbital also induces CYP3A4, which may lower oxycodone levels, so analgesia can be reduced while sedation risk remains.
What this interaction means in plain words
Oxycodone and Pentobarbital 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.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depression plus CYP3A4 induction increasing oxycodone clearance.
What to do
Avoid if possible; otherwise monitor sedation, respiratory rate and pain control and adjust oxycodone dosing carefully, including after barbiturate withdrawal.
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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Other interactions of Oxycodone
- Alvimopan + Oxycodone Contraindicated
- Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Oxycodone Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Oxycodone Contraindicated
- Olanzapine / samidorphan + Oxycodone Contraindicated
- Oxycodone + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Oxycodone + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Oxycodone with Pentobarbital?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Oxycodone and Pentobarbital 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. Barbiturates add to opioid CNS and respiratory depression. Pentobarbital also induces CYP3A4, which may lower oxycodone levels, so analgesia can be reduced while sedation risk remains.
How serious is the interaction between Oxycodone and Pentobarbital?
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 if possible; otherwise monitor sedation, respiratory rate and pain control and adjust oxycodone dosing carefully, including after barbiturate withdrawal.
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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