Drug interactions
Buprenorphine + Ondansetron
Severity: Moderate
Buprenorphine and Ondansetron: 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
Both agents can lengthen the QT interval, so combined use may add to the risk of serious ventricular arrhythmia. The concern is highest in patients with other risk factors for QT prolongation, and is greater with higher buprenorphine exposure, such as with transdermal or injectable products.
What this interaction means in plain words
Buprenorphine and Ondansetron 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; Ondansetron belongs to Gastrointestinal Tract.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation through effects on cardiac repolarization.
What to do
Check a baseline ECG and electrolytes in patients with cardiac risk factors and use the lowest effective doses. Consider a non-QT-prolonging antiemetic if risk factors are present.
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 Ondansetron
- Apomorphine + Ondansetron Contraindicated
- Ondansetron + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Ondansetron + Vandetanib Contraindicated
- Adagrasib + Ondansetron Major
- Amiodarone + Ondansetron Major
- Amisulpride + Ondansetron Major
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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Buprenorphine with Ondansetron?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Buprenorphine and Ondansetron 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. Both agents can lengthen the QT interval, so combined use may add to the risk of serious ventricular arrhythmia. The concern is highest in patients with other risk factors for QT prolongation, and is greater with higher buprenorphine exposure, such as with transdermal or injectable products.
How serious is the interaction between Buprenorphine and Ondansetron?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Check a baseline ECG and electrolytes in patients with cardiac risk factors and use the lowest effective doses. Consider a non-QT-prolonging antiemetic if risk factors are present.
What other medicines interact with Ondansetron?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Ondansetron with, for example, Apomorphine, Thioridazine, Vandetanib. The full list is on the Ondansetron page.
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