Combining Midazolam and Oxycodone is a major interaction and should generally be avoided without close medical supervision.
The combination of oxycodone and midazolam can lead to profound sedation, respiratory depression (decreased respiratory rate and depth), coma, and death. Patients may exhibit dizziness, confusion, psychomotor impairment, and hypotension. These effects are dose-dependent and can be life-threatening.
Mechanism: Oxycodone, an opioid agonist, binds to mu-opioid receptors in the central nervous system (CNS), causing CNS depression, including respiratory depression and sedation. Midazolam, a benzodiazepine, enhances the effect of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA at GABA-A receptors, further leading to CNS depression. The synergistic CNS depressant effects of both drugs significantly increase the risk of severe adverse outcomes.
Midazolam vs. Oxycodone
Compare Midazolam and Oxycodone: mechanism of action, indications, side effects, cost, and which may be right for you.
Quick Comparison
| Category | Midazolam | Oxycodone |
|---|---|---|
| Drug Class | Benzodiazepines | Opioid Analgesics |
| Rx Status | Rx | Rx |
| Generic Available | No | No |
| Typical Cost | $500–$1,500/month | $200–$600/month |
Midazolam Overview
Midazolam is a type of medicine called a benzodiazepine that helps calm the body and mind. It is primarily used to make you feel relaxed and drowsy before medical procedures, surgeries, or to help you fall asleep for general anesthesia. It works by slowing down brain activity to reduce anxiety and create a state of peacefulness or forgetfulness.
Full Midazolam guide →Oxycodone Overview
OXYCODONE (brand name: Oxycodone Hydrochloride) is a Opioid Analgesics. 1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Oxycodone hydrochloride (HCl) tablets are indicated for the management of pain severe enough to require an opioid analgesic and for which alternative treatments are inadequate. Limitations of Use Because of the risks of addiction, abuse, and misuse with opioids, which can…
Full Oxycodone guide →How Each Drug Works
Oxycodone
Oxycodone is a full opioid agonist and is relatively selective for the mu-opioid receptor, although it can bind to other opioid receptors at higher doses. The principal therapeutic action of oxycodone is analgesia. Like all full opioid agonists, there is no ceiling effect for analgesia with oxycodone. Clinically, dosage is titrated to provide adequate analgesia and may be limited by adverse reactions, including respiratory and CNS depression. The precise mechanism of the…
Approved Uses (Indications)
Midazolam
INDICATIONS AND USAGE Midazolam Injection is indicated: intramuscularly or intravenously for preoperative sedation/anxiolysis/amnesia; intravenously as an agent for sedation/anxiolysis/amnesia prior to or during diagnostic, therapeutic or endoscopic procedures, such as bronchoscopy, gastroscopy, cystoscopy, coronary angiography, cardiac catheterization, oncology procedures, radiologic procedures, suture of lacerations and other procedures either alone or in combination with other CNS depressants; intravenously for induction of general anesthesia, before administration of other anesthetic agent…
Oxycodone
Oxycodone hydrochloride (HCl) tablets are indicated for the management of pain severe enough to require an opioid analgesic and for which alternative treatments are inadequate. Limitations of Use Because of the risks of addiction, abuse, and misuse with opioids, which can occur at any dosage or duration [see Warnings and Precautions ] , reserve oxycodone HCl tablets for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options (e.g., non-opioid analgesics or opioid combination products): Have not been tolerated or are not expected to be tolerated, Have not provided a…
Side Effects
Midazolam
Oxycodone
Cost Comparison
Midazolam
$500–$1,500/month
As Midazolam is a brand-only medication, explore manufacturer patient assistance programs or discount cards like GoodRx to help reduce the high cost. Your insurance plan's coverage will also significantly impact your out-of-pocket expenses.
Oxycodone
$200–$600/month
As a brand-name medication, costs can be high without insurance. Manufacturer coupons or patient assistance programs may offer significant savings.
Compare prices for Midazolam and Oxycodone
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Medical Disclaimer
The information on RxGuide is intended for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, pharmacist, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or medication. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.