Drug interactions
Brimonidine + Buprenorphine
Severity: Minor
Brimonidine and Buprenorphine: minor 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
Brimonidine is an alpha-2 agonist; systemic absorption from ophthalmic use is low but can cause drowsiness. Combined with buprenorphine, additive sedation is possible, mainly in susceptible patients.
What this interaction means in plain words
Brimonidine and Buprenorphine have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Brimonidine belongs to Miscellaneous; Buprenorphine belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depression from alpha-2 agonism and opioid effects.
What to do
Counsel patients about additive drowsiness. No dose change is usually needed.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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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 Brimonidine
- Brimonidine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Brimonidine + Linezolid Contraindicated
- Brimonidine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Brimonidine + Procarbazine Contraindicated
- Brimonidine + Rasagiline Contraindicated
- Brimonidine + Selegiline Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Brimonidine with Buprenorphine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Brimonidine and Buprenorphine have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Brimonidine is an alpha-2 agonist; systemic absorption from ophthalmic use is low but can cause drowsiness. Combined with buprenorphine, additive sedation is possible, mainly in susceptible patients.
How serious is the interaction between Brimonidine and Buprenorphine?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Counsel patients about additive drowsiness. No dose change is usually needed.
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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