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Drug interactions

Oxycodone + Rocuronium

Severity: Moderate

Oxycodone and Rocuronium: 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

Oxycodone may add to the effects of rocuronium, prolonging muscle weakness and respiratory depression. This is mainly relevant during anesthesia and intensive care.

What this interaction means in plain words

Oxycodone and Rocuronium 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.

Oxycodone belongs to Musculoskeletal; Rocuronium belongs to Musculoskeletal.

Evidence level: Low

Why it happens

Additive respiratory depression from opioid central effects; a direct effect on neuromuscular transmission is not well established.

What to do

Monitor neuromuscular blockade with train-of-four testing and ensure ventilatory support. Titrate the blocker to response.

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?

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

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Oxycodone with Rocuronium?

MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Oxycodone and Rocuronium 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. Oxycodone may add to the effects of rocuronium, prolonging muscle weakness and respiratory depression. This is mainly relevant during anesthesia and intensive care.

How serious is the interaction between Oxycodone and Rocuronium?

MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor neuromuscular blockade with train-of-four testing and ensure ventilatory support. Titrate the blocker to response.

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.

Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app

Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.

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