Drug interactions
Buprenorphine buccal + Oxymorphone
Severity: Major
Buprenorphine buccal 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 partial mu agonist with high receptor affinity and can displace full agonists such as oxymorphone. In opioid-dependent patients this may precipitate withdrawal and reduce analgesia, while additive sedation can also occur.
What this interaction means in plain words
Buprenorphine buccal 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.
Why it happens
Partial agonist with high receptor affinity competes with a full agonist, with additive CNS depression.
What to do
Avoid concurrent use where possible; if switching, follow structured transition protocols. Monitor for withdrawal, loss of 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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Buprenorphine buccal with Oxymorphone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Buprenorphine buccal 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 partial mu agonist with high receptor affinity and can displace full agonists such as oxymorphone. In opioid-dependent patients this may precipitate withdrawal and reduce analgesia, while additive sedation can also occur.
How serious is the interaction between Buprenorphine buccal 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 concurrent use where possible; if switching, follow structured transition protocols. Monitor for withdrawal, loss of 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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