Drug interactions
Buprenorphine + Oxymorphone
Severity: Major
Buprenorphine and Oxymorphone: 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
Buprenorphine is a high-affinity partial mu-opioid agonist that can displace oxymorphone from receptors. In opioid-dependent patients this may precipitate withdrawal and reduce analgesia, while the two can also add to sedation and respiratory depression.
What this interaction means in plain words
Buprenorphine and Oxymorphone 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; Oxymorphone belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Competitive binding at mu-opioid receptors by a partial agonist with high affinity, plus additive CNS and respiratory depression.
What to do
Avoid combining unless specialist supervised, for example when planned rotation between opioids. Monitor for withdrawal, inadequate analgesia and respiratory depression.
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 Oxymorphone
- Alvimopan + Oxymorphone Contraindicated
- Ethanol + Oxymorphone Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Oxymorphone Contraindicated
- Olanzapine / samidorphan + Oxymorphone Contraindicated
- Oxymorphone + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Oxymorphone + Selegiline transdermal Contraindicated
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 Oxymorphone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Buprenorphine and Oxymorphone 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 is a high-affinity partial mu-opioid agonist that can displace oxymorphone from receptors. In opioid-dependent patients this may precipitate withdrawal and reduce analgesia, while the two can also add to sedation and respiratory depression.
How serious is the interaction between Buprenorphine and Oxymorphone?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid combining unless specialist supervised, for example when planned rotation between opioids. Monitor for withdrawal, inadequate analgesia and respiratory depression.
What other medicines interact with Oxymorphone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Oxymorphone with, for example, Alvimopan, Ethanol, Isocarboxazid. The full list is on the Oxymorphone page.
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