Codeine and Zolpidem interaction
Codeine and Zolpidem: 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 Codeine (Codeine sulfate) label · effective 2025-12-22
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 Codeine Sulfate Tablets and benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options are inadequate [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 ), Drug Interactions ( 7 )] .
• 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.
Risks from Concomitant Use with Benzodiazepines or Other CNS Depressants Profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death may result from the concomitant use of Codeine Sulfate Tablets with benzodiazepines and/or other CNS depressants, including alcohol (e.g., non-benzodiazepine sedatives/hypnotics, anxiolytics, tranquilizers, muscle relaxants, general…
Advise both patients and caregivers about the risks of respiratory depression and sedation when Codeine Sulfate Tablets are used with benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants (including alcohol and illicit drugs).
From the Zolpidem (zolpidem tartrate) label · effective 2025-11-19
The use of Zolpidem Tartrate with other sedative-hypnotics (including other zolpidem products) at bedtime or the middle of the night is not recommended.
Opioids: Concomitant use may increase risk of respiratory depression ( 5.7 , 7.1 )
Opioids The concomitant use of Zolpidem Tartrate with opioids may increase the risk of respiratory depression.
CNS-Depressant Effects: Impaired alertness and motor coordination, including risk of morning impairment.
Risk increases with dose and use with other CNS depressants and alcohol.
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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.