Drug interactions
Buprenorphine + Methohexital
Severity: Major
Buprenorphine and Methohexital: 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
Methohexital is a barbiturate anesthetic, and with an opioid it produces additive CNS and respiratory depression. Hypotension, profound sedation and apnea may occur.
What this interaction means in plain words
Buprenorphine and Methohexital 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; Methohexital belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive CNS and respiratory depression from opioid and barbiturate effects.
What to do
Titrate methohexital carefully with reduced doses and ensure continuous monitoring of respiration, oxygenation and blood pressure. Have airway support and resuscitation equipment ready.
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 Methohexital
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Buprenorphine with Methohexital?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Buprenorphine and Methohexital 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. Methohexital is a barbiturate anesthetic, and with an opioid it produces additive CNS and respiratory depression. Hypotension, profound sedation and apnea may occur.
How serious is the interaction between Buprenorphine and Methohexital?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Titrate methohexital carefully with reduced doses and ensure continuous monitoring of respiration, oxygenation and blood pressure. Have airway support and resuscitation equipment ready.
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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