Drug interactions
Amiodarone + Buprenorphine
Severity: Major
Amiodarone and Buprenorphine: 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
Both drugs can prolong the QT interval, so combining them may raise the risk of torsades de pointes, especially with transdermal or high-dose buprenorphine. The risk is greater with bradycardia, electrolyte disturbance or underlying heart disease.
What this interaction means in plain words
Amiodarone and Buprenorphine 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.
Amiodarone belongs to Cardiovascular; Buprenorphine belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation through cardiac potassium channel effects.
What to do
Obtain a baseline ECG and correct potassium and magnesium before combining, then monitor the QTc. Consider a non-QT-prolonging analgesic or opioid alternative if the QTc becomes markedly prolonged.
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 Buprenorphine
- Alvimopan + Buprenorphine Contraindicated
- Buprenorphine + Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates Contraindicated
- Buprenorphine + Olanzapine / samidorphan Contraindicated
- Buprenorphine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Buprenorphine + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Buprenorphine + Thioridazine Contraindicated
Other interactions of Amiodarone
- Amiodarone + Amisulpride Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Arsenic trioxide Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Dofetilide Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Dronedarone Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Droperidol Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Eliglustat Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Amiodarone with Buprenorphine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Amiodarone and Buprenorphine 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. Both drugs can prolong the QT interval, so combining them may raise the risk of torsades de pointes, especially with transdermal or high-dose buprenorphine. The risk is greater with bradycardia, electrolyte disturbance or underlying heart disease.
How serious is the interaction between Amiodarone and Buprenorphine?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Obtain a baseline ECG and correct potassium and magnesium before combining, then monitor the QTc. Consider a non-QT-prolonging analgesic or opioid alternative if the QTc becomes markedly prolonged.
What other medicines interact with Buprenorphine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Buprenorphine with, for example, Alvimopan, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Olanzapine / samidorphan. The full list is on the Buprenorphine page.
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