Flumazenil and Midazolam interaction
Flumazenil and Midazolam: 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 Midazolam (Midazolam in Sodium Chloride) label · effective 2025-03-02
If used for long-term use (i.e., for several days to weeks), abrupt discontinuation or rapid dosage reduction of midazolam, or administration of flumazenil, a benzodiazepine antagonist, may precipitate acute withdrawal reactions, including seizures, which can be life-threatening.
WARNING: PERSONNEL AND EQUIPMENT FOR MONITORING AND RESUSCITATION AND RISKS FROM CONCOMITANT USE WITH OPIOID ANALGESICS AND OTHER SEDATIVE-HYPNOTICS Personnel and Equipment for Monitoring and Resuscitation Only personnel trained in the administration of procedural sedation, and not involved in the conduct of the diagnostic or therapeutic procedure, should administer…
Risks from Concomitant Use with Opioid Analgesics and Other Sedative Hypnotics Concomitant use of benzodiazepines, including Midazolam in 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, and opioids may result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death.
WARNING: PERSONNEL AND EQUIPMENT FOR MONITORING AND RESUSCITATION, AND RISKS FROM CONCOMITANT USE WITH OPIOID ANALGESICS AND OTHER SEDATIVE-HYPNOTICS See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning.
Risks from Concomitant Use with Opioids, Other Sedative Hypnotics, or Other Central Nervous System Depressants Concomitant use of benzodiazepines and opioids may result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death.
From the Flumazenil label · effective 2025-09-23
An adequate period of observation must be provided for any patient in whom either long-acting benzodiazepines (such as diazepam) or large doses of short-acting benzodiazepines (such as >10 mg of midazolam) have been used (see INDIVIDUALIZATION OF DOSAGE ).
Possible risk factors for seizures include: concurrent major sedative-hypnotic drug withdrawal, recent therapy with repeated doses of parenteral benzodiazepines, myoclonic jerking or seizure activity prior to flumazenil administration in overdose cases, or concurrent cyclic antidepressant poisoning.
…reactions in patients who have been taking benzodiazepines on a regular basis, it is particularly important that physicians query patients or their guardians carefully about benzodiazepine, alcohol and sedative use as part of the history prior to any procedure in which the use of flumazenil is planned (see PRECAUTIONS : Use in Drug- and Alcohol-Dependent Patients ).
Drug Interactions Interaction with central nervous system depressants other than benzodiazepines has not been specifically studied; however, no deleterious interactions were seen when flumazenil was administered after narcotics, inhalational anesthetics, muscle relaxants and muscle relaxant antagonists administered in conjunction with sedation or anesthesia.
…patient should be instructed, preferably in writing, that their memory and judgment may be impaired and specifically advised: Not to engage in any activities requiring complete alertness, and not to operate hazardous machinery or a motor vehicle during the first 24 hours after discharge, and it is certain no residual sedative effects of the benzodiazepine remain.
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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.