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Drug interactions

Asenapine + Sufentanil

Severity: Major

Asenapine 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

Opioids such as sufentanil and antipsychotics like asenapine both depress the CNS, so combining them may deepen sedation, lower blood pressure and cause respiratory depression.

What this interaction means in plain words

Asenapine 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.

Asenapine belongs to Central Nervous System; Sufentanil belongs to Musculoskeletal.

Evidence level: Moderate

Why it happens

Additive CNS and respiratory depression, with additive hypotensive effects.

What to do

Use the lowest effective doses and monitor respiratory rate, sedation level and blood pressure, especially in perioperative settings. Have resuscitation and reversal measures 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?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Asenapine with Sufentanil?

MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Asenapine 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. Opioids such as sufentanil and antipsychotics like asenapine both depress the CNS, so combining them may deepen sedation, lower blood pressure and cause respiratory depression.

How serious is the interaction between Asenapine 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: Use the lowest effective doses and monitor respiratory rate, sedation level and blood pressure, especially in perioperative settings. Have resuscitation and reversal measures available.

What other medicines interact with Asenapine?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Asenapine with, for example, Pimozide, Thioridazine, Vandetanib. The full list is on the Asenapine page.

Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app

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