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Drug interactions

Oxycodone + Thioridazine

Severity: Major

Oxycodone and Thioridazine: 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

Thioridazine adds to opioid sedation and respiratory depression and inhibits CYP2D6, which may alter oxycodone activation. Thioridazine also carries a serious risk of QT prolongation and torsades de pointes independent of oxycodone.

What this interaction means in plain words

Oxycodone and Thioridazine 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.

Oxycodone belongs to Musculoskeletal; Thioridazine belongs to Central Nervous System.

Evidence level: Moderate

Why it happens

Additive CNS depression plus CYP2D6 inhibition by thioridazine altering oxycodone metabolism.

What to do

Avoid if possible; otherwise start oxycodone at a low dose and monitor sedation and respiration. Obtain an ECG and correct potassium and magnesium abnormalities.

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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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Oxycodone with Thioridazine?

MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Oxycodone and Thioridazine 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. Thioridazine adds to opioid sedation and respiratory depression and inhibits CYP2D6, which may alter oxycodone activation. Thioridazine also carries a serious risk of QT prolongation and torsades de pointes independent of oxycodone.

How serious is the interaction between Oxycodone and Thioridazine?

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 start oxycodone at a low dose and monitor sedation and respiration. Obtain an ECG and correct potassium and magnesium abnormalities.

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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