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Drug interactions

Buprenorphine + Tacrolimus

Severity: Moderate

Buprenorphine and Tacrolimus: 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

Tacrolimus can prolong the QT interval, and buprenorphine adds a minor effect. Tacrolimus may also be affected by CYP3A4 inhibitors but buprenorphine is not a significant one.

What this interaction means in plain words

Buprenorphine and Tacrolimus 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; Tacrolimus belongs to Miscellaneous.

Evidence level: Low

Why it happens

Additive QT prolongation.

What to do

Check a baseline ECG and electrolytes, including magnesium, and monitor for QT prolongation during co-therapy.

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?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Buprenorphine with Tacrolimus?

MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Buprenorphine and Tacrolimus 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. Tacrolimus can prolong the QT interval, and buprenorphine adds a minor effect. Tacrolimus may also be affected by CYP3A4 inhibitors but buprenorphine is not a significant one.

How serious is the interaction between Buprenorphine and Tacrolimus?

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, including magnesium, and monitor for QT prolongation during co-therapy.

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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