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Drug Interactions between ramelteon and sodium oxybate

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

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Interactions between your drugs

Major

sodium oxybate ramelteon

Applies to: sodium oxybate and ramelteon

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

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

ramelteon food

Applies to: ramelteon

GENERALLY AVOID: Alcohol may potentiate some of the pharmacologic effects of ramelteon. 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 ramelteon with or immediately after a high-fat/heavy meal may delay the onset of hypnotic effects. In study subjects, administration of a 16 mg dose of ramelteon with a high-fat meal decreased the peak plasma drug concentration (Cmax) by 22% and delayed the median time to reach peak plasma drug concentration (Tmax) by approximately 45 minutes compared to administration in a fasted state.

MANAGEMENT: Patients receiving ramelteon should be advised to avoid the consumption of alcohol. For faster sleep onset, ramelteon should not be administered with or immediately after a high-fat/heavy meal.

References (1)
  1. (2005) "Product Information. Rozerem (ramelteon)." Takeda Pharmaceuticals America

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:

  • ramelteon
  • 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.


Report options

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.