Drug interactions
Perphenazine + Sodium oxybate
Severity: Major
Perphenazine and Sodium oxybate: 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
Both drugs depress the central nervous system, and giving them together can cause profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma and death. Sodium oxybate already carries a boxed warning for CNS and respiratory depression, which the sedating phenothiazine adds to.
What this interaction means in plain words
Perphenazine and Sodium oxybate 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.
Perphenazine belongs to Central Nervous System; Sodium oxybate belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive pharmacodynamic CNS and respiratory depression.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible; if it is unavoidable, use the lowest effective doses for the shortest time and monitor closely for sedation and respiratory depression. Warn patients against driving and alcohol use.
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 Perphenazine
- Ibutilide + Perphenazine Contraindicated
- Perphenazine + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Perphenazine + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Adagrasib + Perphenazine Major
- Alfentanil + Perphenazine Major
- Amiodarone + Perphenazine Major
Other interactions of Sodium oxybate
- Alprazolam + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
- Amobarbital + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
- Butorphanol + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
- Chloral hydrate + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
- Clonazepam + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
- Clorazepate + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Perphenazine with Sodium oxybate?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Perphenazine and Sodium oxybate 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. Both drugs depress the central nervous system, and giving them together can cause profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma and death. Sodium oxybate already carries a boxed warning for CNS and respiratory depression, which the sedating phenothiazine adds to.
How serious is the interaction between Perphenazine and Sodium oxybate?
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 the combination where possible; if it is unavoidable, use the lowest effective doses for the shortest time and monitor closely for sedation and respiratory depression. Warn patients against driving and alcohol use.
What other medicines interact with Perphenazine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Perphenazine with, for example, Ibutilide, Pimozide, Thioridazine. The full list is on the Perphenazine page.
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