Drug interactions
Oxycodone + Zaleplon
Severity: Major
Oxycodone and Zaleplon: 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
Zaleplon with oxycodone causes additive CNS and respiratory depression. This may cause profound sedation, impaired psychomotor function, coma or death.
What this interaction means in plain words
Oxycodone and Zaleplon 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; Zaleplon belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive pharmacodynamic CNS depression from opioid agonism and GABA-A modulation.
What to do
Use only when alternatives are inadequate, at the lowest doses and shortest duration. Monitor for sedation and respiratory depression and advise avoiding alcohol.
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
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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Oxycodone with Zaleplon?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Oxycodone and Zaleplon 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. Zaleplon with oxycodone causes additive CNS and respiratory depression. This may cause profound sedation, impaired psychomotor function, coma or death.
How serious is the interaction between Oxycodone and Zaleplon?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Use only when alternatives are inadequate, at the lowest doses and shortest duration. Monitor for sedation and respiratory depression and advise avoiding alcohol.
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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