Drug interactions
Brexanolone + Remifentanil
Severity: Major
Brexanolone and Remifentanil: 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
Brexanolone causes excessive sedation and loss of consciousness, and opioids can amplify these effects. Respiratory depression is a concern.
What this interaction means in plain words
Brexanolone and Remifentanil 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 CNS and respiratory depression through GABA-A modulation and opioid receptor agonism.
What to do
Monitor continuously with pulse oximetry during brexanolone infusion. Reduce or interrupt the opioid or the infusion if excessive sedation occurs.
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 Remifentanil
- Alvimopan + Remifentanil Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Remifentanil Contraindicated
- Olanzapine / samidorphan + Remifentanil Contraindicated
- Phenelzine + Remifentanil Contraindicated
- Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen + Remifentanil Major
- Buprenorphine long-acting + Remifentanil Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Brexanolone with Remifentanil?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Brexanolone and Remifentanil 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. Brexanolone causes excessive sedation and loss of consciousness, and opioids can amplify these effects. Respiratory depression is a concern.
How serious is the interaction between Brexanolone and Remifentanil?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor continuously with pulse oximetry during brexanolone infusion. Reduce or interrupt the opioid or the infusion if excessive sedation occurs.
What other medicines interact with Remifentanil?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Remifentanil with, for example, Alvimopan, Isocarboxazid, Olanzapine / samidorphan. The full list is on the Remifentanil page.
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