Drug Interaction Report

Triazolam and Estradiol: Interaction Details

AI-assisted, pharmacist-reviewed · Source data updated Aug 8, 2026 · Sources: FDA labeling, DDInter 2.0, cited literature

Triazolam

Halcion
+

Estradiol

Delestrogen
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS
Medically reviewed by
Updated Aug 8, 2026
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Interaction severity
Moderate
Can be significant — usually manageable with monitoring.
How we grade severity & evidence

Severity levels

  • Contraindicated: These should generally not be used together.
  • Major: Potentially serious — often needs a change or close monitoring.
  • Moderate: Can be significant — usually manageable with monitoring.
  • Minor: Usually limited clinical impact.

Evidence grades

  • Established: Well documented — supported by controlled studies or strong clinical data.
  • Probable: Good supporting evidence, though not definitively proven.
  • Suspected: Some evidence suggests this interaction, but it is not well established.
  • Possible: Limited or conflicting evidence; the interaction may occur.
  • Theoretical: Predicted from the drugs' pharmacology; not yet confirmed in people.

Ratings come from the documented interaction literature and are reviewed by a pharmacist. They describe the documented risk of the combination, not what will necessarily happen to you — your dose, timing, and health picture all matter.

Of 39 documented Triazolam interactions, 8 are rated moderate — including this one.
Onset
delayed
Evidence
probable
Severity
Moderate

What happens

Triazolam toxicity (excessive sedation, confusion)

Interaction Deep Dive

Combination contraceptives may inhibit the oxidative metabolism of triazolam causing an increase in serum levels of the benzodiazepine1.

Why it happens (mechanism)

Decreased hepatic metabolism of triazolam

Literature reports

1 report — tap to read

a) Low-dose oral contraceptives were shown to cause a 32% decrease in clearance and 44% increase in the AUC of triazolam. The increase in systemic availability of triazolam is similar to that observed after cimetidine or isoniazid, drugs known to inhibit oxidative drug metabolism. Reports of the effect of oral contraceptives on the elimination of oxidized drugs have demonstrated that oral contraceptives impair oxidative metabolism in the liver. This effect was believed to be mediated by the estrogen component of oral contraceptives 1.

Common questions

Can I take Triazolam and Estradiol together?

Triazolam toxicity (excessive sedation, confusion) Always confirm with your pharmacist or prescriber before making any change.

How serious is the Triazolam and Estradiol interaction?

It is rated moderate. Can be significant — usually manageable with monitoring.

How quickly could this interaction happen?

The documented onset is "delayed". Effects tend to build up gradually over days to weeks.

How strong is the evidence for this interaction?

The evidence is graded "probable". Good supporting evidence, though not definitively proven.

From our Q&A

Real reader questions about these medications, each personally answered by our pharmacist:

Questions for your pharmacist

  • Does my dose of Triazolam or Estradiol need adjusting while I take them together?
  • What symptoms should prompt me to call you or my prescriber right away?
  • Does the timing of my doses matter for this combination?
  • Is there anything you'd monitor while I'm on both?

References (1)

  1. Stoehr GP, Kroboth PD, Juhl RP, et al: Effect of oral contraceptives on triazolam, temazepam, alprazolam, and lorazepam kinetics. Clin Pharmacol Ther 1984; 36:683-690. PubMed
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Beyond drug–drug

These medications also interact with supplements

Prescription drugs aren't the whole picture — herbal and dietary supplements can interact with them too. From the evidence-graded Natural Medicines database:

major · moderate · minor — check everything you take with our drug–supplement interaction checker.

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This information is for education, not a substitute for professional medical advice. Do not start, stop, or change any medication without talking to your pharmacist or prescriber.