Drug interactions
Alprazolam + Sufentanil
Severity: Major
Alprazolam and Sufentanil: 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 potent opioid like sufentanil can cause profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma and death. Regulators warn specifically about this class combination.
What this interaction means in plain words
Alprazolam and Sufentanil 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.
Alprazolam belongs to Central Nervous System; Sufentanil belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive CNS and respiratory depression from opioid receptor agonism and GABA-A modulation.
What to do
Reserve for situations without alternatives, using the lowest doses and monitoring continuously for respiratory depression and sedation. Ensure resuscitation equipment and naloxone are available.
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?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Alprazolam and Sufentanil 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 potent opioid like sufentanil can cause profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma and death. Regulators warn specifically about this class combination.
How serious is the interaction between Alprazolam and Sufentanil?
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 for situations without alternatives, using the lowest doses and monitoring continuously for respiratory depression and sedation. Ensure resuscitation equipment and naloxone are available.
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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