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Drug interactions

Oxymorphone + Promethazine

Severity: Major

Oxymorphone and Promethazine: 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

Promethazine adds to the sedative and respiratory depressant effects of oxymorphone. This can cause profound sedation, hypotension and respiratory depression.

What this interaction means in plain words

Oxymorphone and Promethazine 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.

Oxymorphone belongs to Musculoskeletal; Promethazine belongs to Respiratory.

Evidence level: High

Why it happens

Additive CNS and respiratory depression.

What to do

Use reduced doses and monitor sedation and respiratory rate closely, especially at initiation or dose increases.

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 Oxymorphone with Promethazine?

MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Oxymorphone and Promethazine 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. Promethazine adds to the sedative and respiratory depressant effects of oxymorphone. This can cause profound sedation, hypotension and respiratory depression.

How serious is the interaction between Oxymorphone and Promethazine?

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 reduced doses and monitor sedation and respiratory rate closely, especially at initiation or dose increases.

What other medicines interact with Promethazine?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Promethazine with, for example, Ibutilide, Pimozide, Thioridazine. The full list is on the Promethazine page.

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