Drug interactions
Buprenorphine + Haloperidol
Severity: Major
Buprenorphine and Haloperidol: 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
Haloperidol is a well-recognized QT-prolonging drug, particularly at higher or intravenous doses, and buprenorphine adds to this effect. The combination also increases sedation and respiratory depression.
What this interaction means in plain words
Buprenorphine and Haloperidol 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; Haloperidol belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation (hERG blockade) and additive CNS depression.
What to do
Obtain a baseline ECG, correct potassium and magnesium, and use the lowest effective haloperidol dose. Monitor the QTc and sedation level.
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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References
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 Haloperidol
- Dofetilide + Haloperidol Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Haloperidol Contraindicated
- Haloperidol + Ibutilide Contraindicated
- Haloperidol + Levoketoconazole Contraindicated
- Haloperidol + Panobinostat Contraindicated
- Haloperidol + Pimozide Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Buprenorphine with Haloperidol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Buprenorphine and Haloperidol 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. Haloperidol is a well-recognized QT-prolonging drug, particularly at higher or intravenous doses, and buprenorphine adds to this effect. The combination also increases sedation and respiratory depression.
How serious is the interaction between Buprenorphine and Haloperidol?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Obtain a baseline ECG, correct potassium and magnesium, and use the lowest effective haloperidol dose. Monitor the QTc and sedation level.
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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