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Drug Interactions between Ambien CR and sodium oxybate

This report displays the potential drug interactions for the following 2 drugs:

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Interactions between your drugs

Major

zolpidem sodium oxybate

Applies to: Ambien CR (zolpidem) and sodium oxybate

CONTRAINDICATED: The central nervous system and respiratory depressant effects of sodium oxybate, which is the sodium salt of gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB), may be potentiated by concomitant use of sedative-hypnotic agents. An increased risk of serious adverse reactions such as respiratory depression, hypotension, profound sedation, syncope, coma, and even death should be anticipated.

MANAGEMENT: The use of sodium oxybate in combination with sedative-hypnotic agents is considered contraindicated.

References

  1. (2002) "Product Information. Xyrem (sodium oxybate)." Orphan Medical
  2. (2020) "Product Information. Xywav (calcium/magnesium/potass/sodium oxybates)." Jazz Pharmaceuticals

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Drug and food interactions

Major

sodium oxybate food

Applies to: sodium oxybate

CONTRAINDICATED: Alcohol may potentiate the central nervous system and respiratory depressant effects of sodium oxybate, which is the sodium salt of gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB). An increased risk of serious adverse reactions such as respiratory depression, hypotension, profound sedation, syncope, coma, and even death should be anticipated.

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Food may delay the absorption and significantly decrease the bioavailability of sodium oxybate. When sodium oxybate was administered immediately after a high-fat meal, the time to reach peak plasma concentration (Tmax) increased from 0.75 hour to 2 hours, the peak plasma concentration (Cmax) decreased by a mean of 59%, and the systemic exposure (AUC) decreased by a mean of 37%.

MANAGEMENT: The concomitant use of sodium oxybate with alcohol is considered contraindicated. The first dose of sodium oxybate should be taken at least 2 hours after a meal to ensure maximal absorption.

References

  1. (2002) "Product Information. Xyrem (sodium oxybate)." Orphan Medical

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Moderate

zolpidem food

Applies to: Ambien CR (zolpidem)

GENERALLY AVOID: Alcohol may potentiate some of the pharmacologic effects of zolpidem. Use in combination may result in additive central nervous system depression and/or impairment of judgment, thinking, and psychomotor skills.

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Administration of zolpidem with food may delay the onset of hypnotic effects. In 30 healthy subjects, administration of zolpidem 20 minutes after a meal resulted in decreased mean peak plasma drug concentration (Cmax) and area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) by 25% and 15%, respectively, compared to fasting. The time to reach peak plasma drug concentration (Tmax) was prolonged by 60%, from 1.4 to 2.2 hours.

MANAGEMENT: Patients receiving zolpidem should be advised to avoid the consumption of alcohol. For faster sleep onset, zolpidem should not be administered with or immediately after a meal.

References

  1. (2001) "Product Information. Ambien (zolpidem)." sanofi-aventis
  2. Yamreudeewong W, Henann NE, Fazio A, Lower DL, Cassidy TG (1995) "Drug-food interactions in clinical practice." J Fam Pract, 40, p. 376-84

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Therapeutic duplication warnings

Therapeutic duplication is the use of more than one medicine from the same drug category or therapeutic class to treat the same condition. This can be intentional in cases where drugs with similar actions are used together for demonstrated therapeutic benefit. It can also be unintentional in cases where a patient has been treated by more than one doctor, or had prescriptions filled at more than one pharmacy, and can have potentially adverse consequences.

Duplication

Hypnotics

Therapeutic duplication

The recommended maximum number of medicines in the 'hypnotics' category to be taken concurrently is usually one. Your list includes two medicines belonging to the 'hypnotics' category:

  • Ambien CR (zolpidem)
  • sodium oxybate

Note: In certain circumstances, the benefits of taking this combination of drugs may outweigh any risks. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your medications or dosage.

See also

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Drug Interaction Classification

These classifications are only a guideline. The relevance of a particular drug interaction to a specific individual is difficult to determine. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medication.
Major Highly clinically significant. Avoid combinations; the risk of the interaction outweighs the benefit.
Moderate Moderately clinically significant. Usually avoid combinations; use it only under special circumstances.
Minor Minimally clinically significant. Minimize risk; assess risk and consider an alternative drug, take steps to circumvent the interaction risk and/or institute a monitoring plan.
Unknown No interaction information available.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer