Drug interactions
Buprenorphine + Dofetilide
Severity: Major
Buprenorphine and Dofetilide: 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
Dofetilide has a high risk of dose-related QT prolongation and torsades de pointes. Adding buprenorphine, which has a modest QT effect, may increase that risk.
What this interaction means in plain words
Buprenorphine and Dofetilide 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.
Buprenorphine belongs to Musculoskeletal; Dofetilide belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation, with dofetilide as the principal hERG potassium channel blocker.
What to do
Monitor QTc continuously during dofetilide initiation and regularly afterward, and keep potassium and magnesium normal. Prefer a non-QT-prolonging analgesic where possible.
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 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 Dofetilide
- Amiodarone + Dofetilide Contraindicated
- Amisulpride + Dofetilide Contraindicated
- Amlodipine-hydrochlorothiazide-valsartan + Dofetilide Contraindicated
- Amlodipine-olmesartan-hydrochlorothiazide + Dofetilide Contraindicated
- Candesartan-hydrochlorothiazide + Dofetilide Contraindicated
- Captopril-hydrochlorothiazide + Dofetilide Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Buprenorphine with Dofetilide?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Buprenorphine and Dofetilide 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. Dofetilide has a high risk of dose-related QT prolongation and torsades de pointes. Adding buprenorphine, which has a modest QT effect, may increase that risk.
How serious is the interaction between Buprenorphine and Dofetilide?
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 QTc continuously during dofetilide initiation and regularly afterward, and keep potassium and magnesium normal. Prefer a non-QT-prolonging analgesic where possible.
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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