Acetaminophen and codeine and Dexmedetomidine interaction
Acetaminophen and codeine and Dexmedetomidine: both prescribing labels flag this combination with the strongest language, such as a contraindication, a boxed warning, or an instruction to avoid it.
Do not combine without a prescriber's guidance. The label language below is the strongest FDA uses.
What the FDA labels say
From the Acetaminophen and codeine (ACETAMINOPHEN AND CODEINE PHOSPHATE) label · effective 2026-01-22
Risks from Concomitant Use with Benzodiazepines or Other CNS Depressants Concomitant use of opioids with benzodiazepines or other central nervous system (CNS) depressants, including alcohol, may result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death.
Reserve concomitant prescribing of acetaminophen and codeine phosphate tablets and benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options are inadequate ( see PRECAUTIONS, Drug Interactions ).
Risks from Concomitant Use with Benzodiazepines or Other CNS Depressants Profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death may result from the concomitant use of acetaminophen and codeine phosphate tablets with benzodiazepines and/or other CNS depressants, including alcohol [e.g., non-benzodiazepine sedatives/hypnotics, anxiolytics, tranquilizers, muscle…
Screen patients for risk of substance use disorders, including opioid abuse and misuse, and warn them of the risk for overdose and death associated with the use of additional CNS depressants including alcohol and illicit drugs ( see PRECAUTIONS, Drug Interactions and Information for Patients/Caregivers ).
Because of similar pharmacological properties, it is reasonable to expect similar risk with the concomitant use of other CNS depressant drugs with opioid analgesics ( see PRECAUTIONS, Drug Interactions ).
From the Dexmedetomidine (Precedex) label · effective 2026-06-17
Anesthetics, Sedatives, Hypnotics, Opioids: Enhancement of pharmacodynamic effects.
Anesthetics, Sedatives, Hypnotics, Opioids Co-administration of PRECEDEX with anesthetics, sedatives, hypnotics, and opioids is likely to lead to an enhancement of effects.
However, due to possible pharmacodynamic interactions, when co-administered with PRECEDEX, a reduction in dosage of PRECEDEX or the concomitant anesthetic, sedative, hypnotic or opioid may be required.
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Open in the checkerNot medical advice. Interaction Checker quotes FDA label text and NIH fact sheets. Whether an interaction matters for you depends on doses, timing, kidney and liver function, and other conditions. Confirm with a pharmacist or prescriber.