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Drug interactions

Buprenorphine + Dextromoramide

Severity: Major

Buprenorphine and Dextromoramide: major interaction.

Last updated Sources: US FDA label

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

Dextromoramide is a potent full mu agonist, and buprenorphine can reduce its analgesic effect or precipitate withdrawal in opioid-dependent patients. Both also cause additive sedation and respiratory depression.

What this interaction means in plain words

Buprenorphine and Dextromoramide 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.

Evidence level: Low

Why it happens

Partial versus full mu-opioid agonist competition, with additive CNS depression.

What to do

Avoid concurrent use and choose a single opioid strategy. If both are given, monitor for withdrawal, poor analgesia and respiratory depression.

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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References

Frequently asked questions

Can I take Buprenorphine with Dextromoramide?

MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Buprenorphine and Dextromoramide 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. Dextromoramide is a potent full mu agonist, and buprenorphine can reduce its analgesic effect or precipitate withdrawal in opioid-dependent patients. Both also cause additive sedation and respiratory depression.

How serious is the interaction between Buprenorphine and Dextromoramide?

MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid concurrent use and choose a single opioid strategy. If both are given, monitor for withdrawal, poor analgesia and respiratory depression.

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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