Drug interactions
Buprenorphine + Difelikefalin
Severity: Moderate
Buprenorphine and Difelikefalin: moderate 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
Difelikefalin is a peripherally restricted kappa-opioid agonist that can cause somnolence and dizziness, which may add to buprenorphine's sedation. Buprenorphine's mixed opioid activity could also alter the effect of difelikefalin.
What this interaction means in plain words
Buprenorphine and Difelikefalin can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Buprenorphine belongs to Musculoskeletal; Difelikefalin belongs to Dermatology.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depressant effects from opioid receptor activity; buprenorphine is a kappa antagonist and may reduce difelikefalin effect.
What to do
Monitor for sedation, dizziness and falls, especially in patients with kidney failure on dialysis. Reassess itch control and adjust therapy if difelikefalin appears ineffective.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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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 Difelikefalin
- Acetazolamide + Difelikefalin Moderate
- Alprazolam + Difelikefalin Moderate
- Amantadine + Difelikefalin Moderate
- Amitriptyline + Difelikefalin Moderate
- Amobarbital + Difelikefalin Moderate
- Asenapine + Difelikefalin Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Buprenorphine with Difelikefalin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Buprenorphine and Difelikefalin can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Difelikefalin is a peripherally restricted kappa-opioid agonist that can cause somnolence and dizziness, which may add to buprenorphine's sedation. Buprenorphine's mixed opioid activity could also alter the effect of difelikefalin.
How serious is the interaction between Buprenorphine and Difelikefalin?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor for sedation, dizziness and falls, especially in patients with kidney failure on dialysis. Reassess itch control and adjust therapy if difelikefalin appears ineffective.
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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