Drug interactions
Buprenorphine + Foscarnet
Severity: Major
Buprenorphine and Foscarnet: 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
Foscarnet can prolong the QT interval and commonly causes hypocalcemia, hypomagnesemia and hypokalemia that further promote arrhythmia. Buprenorphine may add to the QT effect.
What this interaction means in plain words
Buprenorphine and Foscarnet 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; Foscarnet belongs to Anti Virals.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation, compounded by foscarnet-induced electrolyte depletion.
What to do
Monitor and replace calcium, magnesium and potassium, and obtain a baseline and follow-up ECG. Consider an alternative analgesic if the QTc rises significantly.
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?
Pro+ members
Unlock the full page
Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Buprenorphine and Foscarnet, the additional notes, the evidence detail and the whole-prescription interaction checker.
- Full clinical management advice
- Additional notes
- Evidence detail
- Interaction checker for a whole prescription
Try Pro+ free for 7 days on the web. No card needed.
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 Foscarnet
- Cidofovir + Foscarnet Contraindicated
- Foscarnet + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Foscarnet + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Foscarnet + Vandetanib Contraindicated
- Adagrasib + Foscarnet Major
- Adefovir + Foscarnet Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Buprenorphine with Foscarnet?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Buprenorphine and Foscarnet 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. Foscarnet can prolong the QT interval and commonly causes hypocalcemia, hypomagnesemia and hypokalemia that further promote arrhythmia. Buprenorphine may add to the QT effect.
How serious is the interaction between Buprenorphine and Foscarnet?
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 and replace calcium, magnesium and potassium, and obtain a baseline and follow-up ECG. Consider an alternative analgesic if the QTc rises significantly.
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.
Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app
Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.
