Drug interactions
Alprazolam + Sufentanil sl
Severity: Major
Alprazolam and Sufentanil sl: major interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Combining a benzodiazepine with a sublingual opioid such as sufentanil produces additive central nervous system and respiratory depression. This can lead to profound sedation, hypotension, respiratory failure, coma and death.
What this interaction means in plain words
Alprazolam and Sufentanil sl can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Why it happens
Additive pharmacodynamic CNS and respiratory depression through GABA-A potentiation by alprazolam and mu-opioid receptor agonism by sufentanil.
What to do
Reserve the combination for patients with no adequate alternatives, using the lowest doses and shortest duration. Monitor closely for sedation and respiratory depression.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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Other interactions of Alprazolam
- Alprazolam + Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates Contraindicated
- Alprazolam + Itraconazole Contraindicated
- Alprazolam + Ketoconazole Contraindicated
- Alprazolam + Levoketoconazole Contraindicated
- Alprazolam + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Alprazolam Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Alprazolam with Sufentanil sl?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Alprazolam and Sufentanil sl can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Combining a benzodiazepine with a sublingual opioid such as sufentanil produces additive central nervous system and respiratory depression. This can lead to profound sedation, hypotension, respiratory failure, coma and death.
How serious is the interaction between Alprazolam and Sufentanil sl?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Reserve the combination for patients with no adequate alternatives, using the lowest doses and shortest duration. Monitor closely for sedation and respiratory depression.
What other medicines interact with Alprazolam?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Alprazolam with, for example, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Itraconazole, Ketoconazole. The full list is on the Alprazolam page.
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